Woolyleaf ceanothus
Ceanothus tomentosus
Last reviewed: September 2026
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
CA
Pollinators
native bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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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