Snow Brush
Ceanothus velutinus
Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae)

Flower: Small white to cream-colored flowers born in dense clusters

Blooms: May to July

Leaves: Persistent, thick and leathery, dark glossy green on upper surface, become sticky in warm weather, finely serrated margins roll downward towards the underside, 3 prominent veins arise from the base of the leaf blade

Height: Shrub 2 to 10 feet high

Stem: Smooth, green

Found:Widespread in open, cutover, or burn sites

Tidbits: Seeds retain their viability for several years. Fire seems to stimulate germination of undamaged seeds. Snow Brush is a poor wildlife forage plant although it serves as refuge and shelter.