How much sun does Woolyleaf ceanothus need?

Woolyleaf ceanothus grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Woolyleaf ceanothus bloom?

Woolyleaf ceanothus blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Woolyleaf ceanothus native?

Woolyleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Woolyleaf ceanothus host?

Woolyleaf ceanothus is a larval host plant for California tortoiseshell.

Woolyleaf ceanothus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ceanothus tomentosus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Woolyleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Woolyleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–96" H × 60"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

Pollinators

native bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

An arching evergreen shrub with woolly-textured leaves and full clusters of medium blue flowers in spring. Grows in chaparral with a somewhat looser, more open habit than more compact garden ceanothus.

Growing Woolyleaf ceanothus

Grow Woolyleaf ceanothus in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 60 to 120 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for California tortoiseshell.

A significant spring nectar source for native bees and butterflies, and its foliage hosts California tortoiseshell caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Woolyleaf ceanothus need?: Woolyleaf ceanothus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Woolyleaf ceanothus bloom?: Woolyleaf ceanothus blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Woolyleaf ceanothus native?: Woolyleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus tomentosus) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Woolyleaf ceanothus host?: Woolyleaf ceanothus is a larval host plant for California tortoiseshell.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Woolyleaf ceanothus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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