Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database


Ceanothus prostratus (Mahala Mat)

Kingdom

 Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom

 Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision

 Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division

 Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class

 Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass

 Rosidae

Order

 Rhamnales

Family

 Rhamnaceae – Buckthorn family

Genus

 Ceanothus L. – ceanothus

Species

 Ceanothus prostratus Benth. – prostrate ceanothus

It is unusual for a ceanothus to be found growing at subalpine levels, but Mahala Mat is very comfortable there provided it receives an insulating layer of snow in winter.

High winds and high temperatures are not favorable for this low growing evergreen groundcover; it needs a partial sun situation with good drainage.

When content Mahala Mat will form a dense matte of glossy serrated leaves and produce pale blue flower clusters and bright red horned fruit.

Ceanothus prostratus is native to the dry mountainous regions of Washington, Oregon and California and can be occasionally found in Idaho and Nevada, USDA zones 5-8.

This is a very attractive plant given the proper growing conditions. It has gained favor as a ground cover in many commercial situations.

For a short comparison of northwest native ceanothus, click here.

          
     

Photo, left, credit: Robert H. Ruf USFSalt

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