California Lilac

 

There are two different varieties of California lilacs in the chaparral ecosystem! See if you can spot the difference in the photos above or in the garden.

 

Scientific Name:

Ceanothus impressus

Variety:

"Puget Blue"

Physical Appearance:

  • Saw-tooth edged leaves with a shiny green coloring (reminiscent of holly!)

  • Flowers can be pink, white, purples, and blues with varied tones

  • Fruit is hard capsules (they sorta appear nut-like, it's kinda deceiving)

When Does It Grow:

  • Blooms in late spring to early summer

Preferred Environment:

  • Dry environments, thrives with light rainwater or slight humidity

Method of Reproduction:

  • Can be self or cross-pollinated

  • Uses both active pollinators like bees and wind or water for successful pollination

Medicinal Uses:

  • Fresh and dried lilac flowers were said to be turned into soaps to help treat poison oak and eczema, but have found much more effective treatments since then

Role in the Ecosystem:

  • Attracts several insects, butterflies, and birds

  • Natural deer resistance

Random:

  • Native Americans and pioneers used dried Lilac leaves for herbal and black teas

  • Miwok Indians were told to use the branches of the California Lilac for basket making