Ceanothus perplexans, commonly known as cup-leaved ceanothus, is a species of flowering shrub in the Rhamnaceae (buckthorn) family. It is native to California, southwestern Arizona, and Baja California.
| Ceanothus perplexans | |
|---|---|
| |
| Cup-leaved ceanothus in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California, 2021 | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Ceanothus |
| Species: | C. perplexans
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| Binomial name | |
| Ceanothus perplexans | |
Description edit
Ceanothus perplexans is an evergreen shrub that typically grows 1 to 3 meters tall with spreading, intricately branched stems. Its leaves are a defining characteristic: small, thick, leathery, and oppositely arranged, with distinct cupped leaves that give the plant its common name. In spring, it produces clusters of white or pale blue flowers.[2]
Taxonomy edit
Ceanothus perplexans is classified within the subgenus Cerastes of the genus Ceanothus. It is sometimes treated as a variety of Ceanothus greggii and referred to as Ceanothus greggii var. perplexans.[2]
Habitat and ecology edit
Ceanothus perplexans is found in chaparral and desert scrub communities of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in dry, rocky slopes and canyons at elevations between 300 and 2100 meters.[3][2]
Soil preference edit
It tolerates poor, well-drained soils including rocky or sandy substrates of a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.[3]
Drought tolerance edit
As a drought-tolerant species, it requires little supplemental water once established.[3]
Conservation status edit
Ceanothus perplexans is not considered threatened or endangered, having a relatively wide distribution. However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to development and agriculture can pose potential threats in certain parts of its range.
References edit
- ^ "Ceanothus perplexans". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia: NatureServe. 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2024.
- ^ a b c "Ceanothus perplexans". Jepson eFlora. Regents of the University of California. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
- ^ a b c "Ceanothus perplexans". Calflora. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
External links edit
- Calflora - Ceanothus perplexans
- Jepson Manual Treatment - Ceanothus perplexans
- iNaturalist - Photos of Ceanothus perplexans
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