Musk brush facts for kids
Ceanothus jepsonii is a special kind of shrub known as the musk brush or Jepson ceanothus. It belongs to the plant family called Rhamnaceae.
Quick facts for kids Musk brush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ceanothus
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| Species: |
jepsonii
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What Does Jepson Ceanothus Look Like?
This interesting shrub can look a bit different depending on its specific type. It has two main varieties, each with unique features.
Two Types of Jepson Ceanothus
- Jepson Ceanothus (Ceanothus jepsonii var. jepsonii): This type spreads out low to the ground. It usually grows about half a meter (about 1.5 feet) tall. You'll see clusters of blue or purple flowers on this variety. After the flowers, it grows round, ball-shaped fruits.
- White-Flowered Jepson Ceanothus (Ceanothus jepsonii var. albiflorus): This variety is known for its beautiful white flowers. It can grow a bit taller, sometimes reaching almost a meter (about 3 feet) high. Its fruits are more oval-shaped, not perfectly round.
Both types of Jepson ceanothus have strong, tough leaves. These leaves stay green all year, so they are called evergreen. Their edges are often toothed, like tiny saws, and sometimes they are even spiny, a bit like holly leaves. The edges of the leaves also tend to curl under. When these plants bloom, their flowers often have a distinct, musky smell.
Where Does Jepson Ceanothus Grow?
This plant is found only in California. This means it is endemic to California, which means it naturally lives there and nowhere else in the world. You can find it growing in dry, shrubby areas. It's common in the San Francisco Bay Area and the California Coast Ranges to the north. It often grows in a special type of soil called serpentine soil. This soil is unique and can be challenging for many plants, but the Jepson ceanothus thrives there!
