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''Ceanothus perplexans'', commonly known as cup-leaved ceanothus, is a species of flowering shrub in the
Rhamnaceae The Rhamnaceae are a large family of flowering plants, mostly trees, shrubs, and some vines, commonly called the buckthorn family. Rhamnaceae is included in the order Rosales. The family contains about 55 genera and 950 species. The Rhamnaceae ...
(buckthorn) family. It is native to California, southwestern Arizona, and Baja California.


Description

''Ceanothus perplexans'' is an evergreen shrub that typically grows 1 to 3 meters tall with spreading, intricately branched stems. Its leaves are a defining characteristic: small, thick, leathery, and oppositely arranged, with distinct cupped leaves that give the plant its common name. In spring, it produces clusters of white or pale blue flowers.


Taxonomy

''Ceanothus perplexans'' is classified within the subgenus '' Cerastes'' of the genus ''
Ceanothus ''Ceanothus'' is a genus of about 50–60 species of nitrogen-fixing shrubs and small trees in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). Common names for members of this genus are buckbrush, California lilac, soap bush, or just ceanothus. ''"Ceanothus"' ...
''. It is sometimes treated as a variety of '' Ceanothus greggii'' and referred to as ''Ceanothus greggii var. perplexans''.


Habitat and ecology

''Ceanothus perplexans'' is found in chaparral and desert scrub communities of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It grows in dry, rocky slopes and canyons at elevations between 300 and 2100 meters.


Soil preference

It tolerates poor, well-drained soils including rocky or sandy substrates of a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.


Drought tolerance

As a drought-tolerant species, it requires little supplemental water once established.


Conservation status

''Ceanothus perplexans'' is not considered threatened or endangered, having a relatively wide distribution. However, habitat loss and fragmentation due to development and agriculture can pose potential threats in certain parts of its range.


References


External links


Calflora - Ceanothus perplexans

Jepson Manual Treatment - Ceanothus perplexans

iNaturalist - Photos of Ceanothus perplexans
perplexans Flora of California Flora of Baja California Natural history of the California chaparral and woodlands Natural history of the Peninsular Ranges {{Rhamnaceae-stub