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Blue Blossom Ceanothus
Blue Blossom Ceanothus botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Blue Blossom Ceanothus

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
In the United States: Native · also called blueblossom, California lilac

Honeybees are drawn to Ceanothus thyrsiflorus for its abundant nectar and pollen during the spring bloom, serving as a vital early-season forage source. Peak flowering occurs in late spring with dense clusters of blue blossoms that support heavy bee traffic. The shrub thrives in well-drained soils, is drought-tolerant once established, and benefits from pruning after bloom to encourage compact growth.

Nectarhigh
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) March–June
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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