Ceanothus velutinus

(Snowbrush)

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Ceanothus velutinus, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 4521

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Ceanothus velutinus, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 4514

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Ceanothus velutinus, Frisco Peninsula, Summit Co. 4526

Scientific Name Ceanothus velutinus USDA PLANTS Symbol CEVE
Common Name Snowbrush, Snowbrush Ceanothus ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 28517
Family Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Foothills to montane (6000 to 10000 ft.); rocky soils, moist or dry, on slopes, in open areas and woodlands and roadsides; often forms large colonies especially following fires or forest clearing.
Plant: Perennial shrub 2 to 5 feet tall, often thicket-forming with erect or spreading stems; brown, smooth stems without thorns.
Leaves: Alternate with petioles 1/4 to 1-1/4 inches long; blades widely elliptic to ovate-elliptic, somewhat cordate 1-1/2 to 3 inches long, bases rounded; edges with many teeth, shiny dark green upper surface green above, light green to whitish below.
Inflorescence: Rounded, terminal panicles of many small white to whitish-pink flowers; each with 5 spoon-shaped petals, 5 folded, triangular sepals, and 5 stamens.
Bloom period: June-August.
References: "Flora of Colorado" by Jennifer Ackerfield, Flora of North America and Jepson eFlora.
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