The Chumash people called both Bigpod (Ceanothus megacarpus) and Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) “White Ceanothus”. Many ceanothus shrubs are flowering in huge sprays of white blossoms on lower Figueroa Mountain. Although I always thought the Ceanothus in this location was Buckbrush Ceanothus, I have titled this post ‘White Ceanothus” because I am not sure.

(Ceanothus - February 27, 2008)

I have learned that Buckbrush has opposite, wedge-shaped leaves. I forgot to check whether the leaves that sometimes seem wedge-shaped and sometimes not on the same bush, were opposite or not. I have also learned that Buckbrush grows in serpentine soils, and since serpentine rocks can be found nearby, all signs point toward Buckbrush. I need to check the leaves the next time I am there.

(Ceanothus - February 27, 2008)

Nevertheless, this is a heads up to a glorious display of Ceanothus on lower Figueroa Mountain. On edit - I have been told that it is Buckbrush; there is no Bigpod that far from the coast. Buckbrush has opposite leaves; Bigpod has alternate leaves, with different fruits. Thanks!

Slide show - click on link below for photos

• 9 photos have been added to the Figueroa 2008 slideshow

Since I started photographing local plants in 2001, I have repeatedly missed some of the early bloomers - such as peony, currants and gooseberries. This year I have reversed that with a couple thus far — Hillside Gooseberry and Chaparral Currant. On Saturday, after a reasonably late decision, I started out to Figueroa Mountain to hunt for some of the first in this year’s sequence of inflorescence. On the way up Chumash Highway 154, blooming ceanothus were visible in the Santa Ynez Mountains - probably Bigpod Ceanothus, since they tend to flower early.

(Lake Cachuma - February 9, 2008)

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