Overview
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson is a California native shrub that belongs to the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae. It is also known as the Deer Brush, due to the shape of its leaves, which resemble deer antlers.
Origin and Distribution
The plant is endemic to the western United States, where it is found in California, Oregon, and Nevada. It typically grows in montane and coastal sage scrub habitats, on dry slopes or ridges, at elevations between 1600 and 9000 feet.
Common Names
In addition to Deer Brush, the plant is also referred to as the Bush Ceanothus, the Naked-Seeded Buckbrush, and the Redshank Ceanothus.
Appearance
The Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus is a large, upright shrub that can grow up to 8-10 feet tall and wide. Its leaves are small, ovate, and arranged alternately on its branches. They are dark green above and lighter beneath, with serrated edges, and can resemble deer antlers.
The plant produces small, white or pale blue flower clusters in spring and summer that attract bees and other pollinators. The flowers give way to small, hard, brown fruits that are eaten by birds and small mammals.
Uses
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus has a variety of uses. Its leaves and bark were used by native Californian tribes for their medicinal properties, such as for treating toothaches, sore throats, and skin conditions. The plant also provides shelter and food for birds and small mammals. Additionally, it is often used in landscaping and restoration projects due to its ability to attract pollinators and its drought-tolerant nature.
Light Requirements
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson typically grows well in full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate shade, but it may not flower as well as in sunnier conditions. It is ideal to place the plant in a location that receives about 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant thrives in mild temperatures typical of the California coast, between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It cannot withstand extreme heat or cold temperatures, so avoiding temperatures outside this range is key to helping it grow to its full potential.
Soil Requirements
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6 to 7.5. It is adaptable to various types of soil, including sandy, clay, or loamy soil. However, it is recommended to use a soil mixture that is specially formulated for acid-loving plants. Regular fertilization can also help ensure that the plant receives adequate nutrients for growth.
Cultivation Methods
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson is a sun-loving plant that prefers well-drained soil. The best time to plant this species is in the fall or early spring. Before planting, loosen the soil and amend it with organic matter. It is essential to plant the seedlings at the same soil depth they were in the containers.Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the health of Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson. Young plants need regular watering during the first summer after planting. Once the plant has established itself, it requires minimal watering. Water the soil deeply once a month during the hot summer months or during drought conditions.Fertilization
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson does not require frequent fertilization. Apply a light amount of balanced fertilizer in the early spring before new growth appears. Excessive fertilizer can lead to rapid growth, which weakens the plant. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as it promotes foliage growth instead of flowers.Pruning
Pruning is a necessary task when growing Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson. The best time to prune is in the late spring or early summer. The plant produces flowers on the previous year's growth, so it is essential not to prune too severely. A light trim helps keep the plant in shape and promotes healthy growth. Avoid pruning during the fall or winter, as it can lead to damage from frost or cold temperatures.Propagation of Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson, commonly known as the California lilac, can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods.
Sexual propagation
Sexual propagation involves germinating seeds collected from a mature plant. The seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix, preferably one that is equal parts of sand, peat, and perlite. Prior to sowing, the seeds should be scarified with sandpaper to break their hard coating and encourage germination. The pots should be placed in a shaded but warm location, and the soil should be kept moist. The seeds usually germinate within two months.
Asexual propagation
Asexual propagation of Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus is more commonly used. It involves taking cuttings from an existing plant and rooting them to produce a new plant. The ideal time to take the cuttings is during the late summer or early autumn when the plant is growing most vigorously.
The cuttings should be around 6 inches long and should include a few sets of leaves. The bottom few leaves should be removed, and the stem should be dipped in rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, preferably one that is equal parts of sand, peat, and perlite. The pots should be placed in a shaded but warm location, and the soil should be kept moist. The cuttings usually take around 6-8 weeks to root and should be transplanted to larger pots once they have established roots.
Disease Management
Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson is relatively disease-resistant, but there are still some diseases that can affect the plant. Here are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown, dead spots on the leaves. To manage it, remove any infected leaves and prune the plant to allow better air circulation.
- Phytophthora root rot: This is a soil-borne pathogen that causes the plant to wilt and die. To manage it, avoid overwatering and make sure the soil is well-draining.
- Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a powdery white coating on the leaves. To manage it, remove any infected leaves and spray the plant with an appropriate fungicide.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Ceanothus integerrimus Hook. & Arn. var. californicus (Kellogg) G.T. Benson. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
- Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the plant, causing it to become weakened and stunted. To manage them, spray the plant with water or use an insecticidal soap.
- Scale insects: These insects attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck sap, causing the plant to become weakened. To manage them, prune any affected stems and spray the plant with an appropriate insecticide.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to become yellow and eventually fall off. To manage them, increase humidity around the plant and use an appropriate insecticide.
