Blueblossom Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- see-a-NO-thus thurs-i-FLO-rus
- Description
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Blue blossom is an easy to grow broadleaf evergreen shrub in the buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) family. It has truly blue flowers which all gardeners know can be incredibly difficult to find. It can be used for screen and background plantings in large spaces and on slopes. This shrub is very low maintenance, the evergreen leaves stay put and the blue flowers fall off individually, and are easily blown away by the slightest wind.
Seasons of Interest:
Bloom: Spring, Mid may-Mid June
Play Value: Wind Screen & Buffers; Wildlife Enhancement
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract hummingbirds, honey and bumble bees. The densly packed foliage provides excellent cover for songbirds.
May freeze with colder winters
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ceanothus
- Species:
- thyrsiflorus
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- This plant was used as soap and for ceremonial wreaths by Native Americans.
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- SW. Oregon to Mexico
- Wildlife Value:
- The flowers attract butterflies and the seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Edible fruit
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Irregular
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7a, 7b, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Purple/Lavender
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Fruit about 3 mm, glandular-sticky, slightly lobed.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Blue
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- 1-3 inches
- Flower Description:
- 7.5 cm spike-like clusters. Just before buds open they are pinky-lavender. Fruit about 3 mm, glandular-sticky, slightly lobed.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- three prominent veins on the underside, tip obtuse to acute, margin sometimes gland-toothed.
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Bark:
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Recreational Play Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Edible Garden
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
