Deep cuts (branches more than 1 … Ideal for a sunny, sheltered position, ceanothus are shrubs which can … In fact, the name Ceanothus comes from the Greek word “keanothos,” meaning spiny plant. New growth can be cut back to healthy leaf sets through mid-season to keep size in check. Look for oval leaves with toothed edges. Ceanothus (California lilac) is a beautiful shrub that will reward you with the most glorious lilac/blue/pink/white racemes of flowers in the spring and summer, depending on the variety. This Ceanothus is also deer proof, and cold tolerant to at least 0 degrees F. It is usually growing with oaks, pines and Adenostoma fasciculatum. Ceanothus, or California lilac, is a vibrant, attractive flowering shrub native to North America and found across the west growing wild.One of the facts on California lilac is that it is not a true lilac in the genus Syringa, but it does produce amazingly fragrant blooms from late spring into early summer.In most regions, this plant is easy to grow and trouble free. Each leaf has three veins running parallel from the leaf base to the outer leaf tips. Facts: Ceanothus. I've seen this species in a variety of soils. Characteristics: Around 50 species of evergreen & deciduous shrubs & small trees. Family: Rhamnaceae Genus: Ceanothus (see-uh-NO-thus) Common: California Wild Lilac, Wild Lilac, Mountain Lilac, Blue Blossom Origin: From Canada, south to Mexico & Guatemala – also some in the Rocky Mountains & eastern US. Ceanothus is a secondary pioneer plant after fires. Ceanothus bush leaves are glossy green on top, between ½ and 3 inches long, and often spiny like holly leaves. For best practice in pruning ceanothus, think “light nibbling”, like a deer. They don’t get very far into these spiny-leaved shrubs, and neither should you! About 30 species are from California & some grow in southern Oregon.