Ray Hartman California Lilac
Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman'
Last reviewed: June 2026
Ray Hartman California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman') is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org, last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
96"–240" H × 96"–240" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman' is a large, fast-growing evergreen shrub with brilliant blue flowers in spring. This lilac can grow 8-20 feet tall and wide, creating an impressive screening plant or small tree when mature.
In an HOA neighborhood
Ray Hartman California Lilac is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only, mid zone, street edge.
- Very large mature size requires adequate space
- May appear too informal for formal landscape designs
- Needs proper pruning to maintain tidy appearance
Wildlife value
Host plant for pale swallowtail, echo blue butterfly.
Highly valuable to native wildlife, supporting numerous bee species, butterflies, and hummingbirds when in bloom. The dense foliage also provides good nesting habitat for birds.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Ray Hartman California Lilac fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.