Ceanothus or Coast Blue Blossom
|
(Ceanothus thyrsiflorus)
Ceanothus. Its also called a California Lilac.
Will Edler, NPS
Origin Of Genus Name: Ceanothus is Latin for "thistle." Presidio Locations: Found in coastal bluff scrub. Range In State: Throughout California. The Presidio is the type locality for this species. Description: This native perennial is a widely branching shrub with round, pale green twigs and short, oval, somewhat leathery leaves. Pale blue to white flowers grow in oblong clusters 2-3 inches long. Blooms March to July. Native Californian Uses: The Pomo used the fresh or dried flowers as a soap for washing hands, face and body; mixing the flowers with water to produce a fine lather when rubbed briskly on the skin. Flowers were also used in dance wreathes at their Strawberry Festival. |
Did You Know?
The modern-day Officers' Club was part of the original Spanish Presidio. In the front section of the building, excavations have uncovered adobe walls dating from the 1790's.