Ceanothus fendleri

(Fendler’s Ceanothus)

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Ceanothus fendleri, Booth Falls Trail, Eagle Co. 4045

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Ceanothus fendleri, Booth Falls Trail, Eagle Co. 4049

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Ceanothus fendleri, Booth Falls Trail, Eagle Co. 4057

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Ceanothus fendleri, Booth Falls Trail, Eagle Co. 4048

Scientific Name Ceanothus fendleri USDA PLANTS Symbol CEFE
Common Name Fendler's Ceanothus, Fendler's Buckthorn ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 28467
Family Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to montane (5500 to 9500 ft.); rocky, dry soils on slopes, in open areas and woodlands.
Plant: Perennial shrub from less than 2 feet to 5 feet tall, often thicket-forming with erect or spreading stems; reddish-brown bark when mature, small branches green/grayish-green; mature stems have thorns.
Leaves: Alternate with short (~1/6 inch) petioles; blades lanceolate-elliptic to oblong-ovate 1/3 to 1-1/4 inches long, smooth edges, dark green above, light green to whitish below.
Inflorescence: Many small white to whitish-pink flowers in rounded clusters, usually umbel-like, sometimes raceme-like, each with 3 to 10 flowers; each small flower has 5 spoon-shaped petals, 5 folded, triangular sepals, and 5 stamens.
Bloom Period: June to August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, SEINet and Southeastern Arizona Wildflowers and Plants.
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Castilleja rhexifolia and a brewing storm over the San Juan Mountains