Ceanothus crassifolius

A large shrub, small tree, to 12 ft, white flowers, native to S.Ca. mountains, crinkly leaves 1/4-1/2" leaves with white fuzzy undersides, a tough plant, for interior Ca., drought resistant, should be tried in the desert areas, deer proof,not damaged at 12 deg. f. in containers, probably hardy to 0F. in ground. It looks like a dwarf evergreen oak with clusters of small white flowers. It grows with Dendromecon, Eriodictyon crassifolium and Quercus Alvordiana in full sun and clay-loam soils. Who would make up the name Hoary Leaf Ceanothus? I mean, what were they thinking? Gray or white with age, covered with gray hairs, or so old as to inspire? How about Southern California Lilac, or Gray Leaved White Lilac? I mean I can't image a customer wandering in asking for Hoary Leaved Ceanothus. Horny Bush I could believe. Click here for more about Mountain Lilacs.