Etymology: Ceanothus: from Greek keanothus, a name which was used for some spiny plant
Plants: erect, perennial, 1'-3' tall shrub with many branches
Leaves: mostly narrowly elliptical, 1"-3" long and usually half as wide
Flowers: white, 5-parted; inflorescence a tall, rounded, branched cluster of usually separated umbels from the leaf axils on stalks to 8" long; blooms June - Aug.
Habitat: full to partial sun; dry to moderate moisture; prairies, meadows, uplands; in sandy, loamy soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 9 Atlas of the Wisconsin Prairie and Savanna Flora: by T.S. Cochrane & H.H. Iltis: habitat, distribution infomation / flowering and fruiting times USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Shrubs: Photos, descriptions, information USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Virginia Tech Dept. of Forestry, College of Natural Resources: detailed description and photographs Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key