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Coast Whitethorn

Ceanothus incanus

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low water❄ Hardy: Zone 9a – Zone 10b

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An evergreen native California shrub with clusters of small white flowers in spring. It thrives in dry, sunny sites and needs little water once established.

Why grow it

Among native Ceanothus, it offers white spring bloom where many relatives are blue, and it suits water-limited landscapes. Like other California Ceanothus, it generally does well in lean, well-drained soil without added fertilizer.

Watch out for

Water carefully during the first year or two while roots establish, and avoid overwatering or heavy summer irrigation once established. Dense growth can shelter rodents, so give it space and keep it away from structures.

Overview

Form
mounding to spreading
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
4–8′ tall × 4–10′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Rhamnaceae
biomass/mulcherosion controlpollinator nectarynitrogen fixer
Nitrogen Fixer · Moderate

Native to the United States

Native Range

California coast ranges

Native to: California

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

Spring

Similar shrubs you might consider:

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Companion Planting

Plants well with