Monterey Ceanothus

Ceanothus cuneatus var. rigidus

Rhamnaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native

Last updated

Data Maturity Baseline

This profile contains verified botanical data. Regional field notes and expert review are in progress.

You encounter Monterey Ceanothus as a densely branched shrub variant with rigid growth habit, representing a specialized form suited to coastal and rocky sites. The cultivar Snowball offers white flowers and compact growth (3-6 feet), distinguishing it from the parent species.

This ceanothus performs best in full sun with low water needs and excellent drainage; avoid wet, heavy soils. It tolerates poor, infertile sites well. Monterey Ceanothus expects the same pest and disease pressures as the species: leaf spot and root rot in heavy, wet conditions. Prune in late winter or early spring. Limited specific data exists for this variety; consult parent species guidance when management questions arise.

Quick Facts

Origin
Central California between the southern edge of the San

Phenological Calendar

As of April 29, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1558.2 to 1719 GDD₃₂. Monterey Ceanothus has passed 'flower buds visible' (1334 GDD₃₂).

Regional Season Tracker

GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 29, 2026
Station GDD₃₂ Current Stage Next To Go
Issaquah / East King 1,719 'Flower buds visible'
Seattle / UW 1,676 'Flower buds visible'
Kent / Auburn 1,670 'Flower buds visible'
Olympia / Tumwater 1,626 'Flower buds visible'
Bellingham / Whatcom 1,615 'Flower buds visible'
Tacoma / Puyallup 1,595 'Flower buds visible'
Sequim / Rain Shadow 1,558 'Flower buds visible'
Stage GDD32 Typical Window
'First bloom' BBCH '61' 1334 ''
'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NOW 1334 ''

Source: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=6, median. services.usanpn.org' About GDD₃₂ →

Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 29, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 15, 2026, then climate normals.