Dwarf ceanothus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dwarf ceanothus |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ceanothus
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| Species: |
pumilus
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Ceanothus pumilus, also called dwarf ceanothus or Siskiyou mat, is a special type of shrub. It belongs to the Rhamnaceae family, which includes many flowering plants. This plant is found in the mountains of southern Oregon and northern California. It often grows in places like pine forests and chaparral, especially on unique serpentine soils.
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Discovering Dwarf Ceanothus
The dwarf ceanothus is a low-growing plant. It spreads out like a mat or a thick carpet on the ground. It can grow up to 2.5 meters (about 8 feet) wide. This makes it a great ground cover in its natural home.
What Does Dwarf Ceanothus Look Like?
This plant has tiny leaves that stay green all year. They are arranged in pairs opposite each other on the stem. Each leaf is only a little over one centimeter long. They feel firm and have small ridges. The top of the leaves is smooth, while the underside is often hairy and lighter in color.
Flowers and Fruit of Siskiyou Mat
The dwarf ceanothus produces small groups of beautiful flowers. These flowers can be blue, lavender, or white. After the flowers bloom, the plant grows a small fruit. This fruit is a capsule, shaped a bit like a horn. It is about half a centimeter long.
Where Does Dwarf Ceanothus Grow?
This plant is native to specific mountain areas. You can find it in the mountains of southern Oregon. It also grows in northern California. It likes certain types of environments.
Preferred Habitats of Ceanothus pumilus
Dwarf ceanothus thrives in coniferous forests. These are forests filled with cone-bearing trees like pines. It also grows in chaparral areas. Chaparral is a type of shrubland common in California. It often grows on serpentine soils. These soils are special because they have unique minerals.
