Ceanothus purpureus

Ceanothus purpureus is a higher version of C. 'Mills glory'. A rare plant to 6 ft. in height, and leaves with wavy, toothed edges and flowers are blue to purple. This California lilac grows on volcanic chaparral slopes, to 1500 ft., in the interior north coast ranges, Napa County, California. Ceanothus purpureus grows best in brushy areas with associated plants, not as well in desert areas or coniferous forests. The species is drought tolerant in its range; in lower rainfall areas, it needs supplemental irrigation during the rainy season. Deer do not relish it as much as other species of Ceanothus. We used it in many areas of San Luis Obispo County for deer proof landscapes. At CALM (the California Living Museum), in Bakersfield, CA, it grew for 10 years. Click here for more about California Lilacs (Ceanothus). Why do the roots of some of the Ceanothus look funny?