Ceanothus divaricatus Nutt.
Frost hardy, evergreen shrub with smooth, pale bark, wide spreading, rigid branches, and clusters of pale blue or white flowers in spring or early summer. To 4m. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘Under this name we are able to announce the introduction of another beautiful hardy shrub. It is described as a straggling bush, in California becoming spiny, and loaded with clusters of blue flowers. […] The plant has been raised by the Horticultural Society, from seeds presented by R. B. Hinds, Esq., late Surgeon of H. M.’s ship the Sulphur, by whom it was found in California in great abundance, and forming a most conspicuous object.’ [BR misc.55/1843]. This plant may be Ceanothus thyrsiflorus Eschsch. See BR f.36/1844.
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.288/1850]. Obtained from Veitch’s Nursery, brought out from England by Captain P. P. King in 1849. [ML A1980-3]. Believed by Macarthur to be a new introduction to the colony although it was reportedly grown at the Sydney Botanic Garden as early as 1828. This seems unlikely as the first description did not appear in the literature until 1838.
Notes
Ceanothus divaricatus Bol. (1863) = Ceanothus cordulatus Kellogg.
Published Mar 04, 2009 - 04:47 PM | Last updated Feb 28, 2010 - 12:18 PM
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | California |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Chapparal whitethorn |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Ceanothus divaricatus |
| Confidence level | high |