Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Ceanothus parviflorus A.P. de Candolle
(Desert Buckthorn, Desert Buckbrush)

Family: Rhamnaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Ceanothus greggii Gray var. greggii

Ceanothus parviflorus looks similar to Ceanothus fendleri in that it is a shrub with small leaves. The branches on Ceanothus parviflorus are opposite, while those on Ceanothus fendleri are mostly alternate. The leaves of Ceanothus fendleri are conspicuously three veined from the base, while those of Ceanothus parviflorus are reticulately veined. The leaves of Ceanothus parviflorus are pubescent below along the midvein and in tufts. Also, the branches of Ceanothus parviflorus are not armed with thorns like those on Ceanothus fendleri. Ceanothus parviflorus prefers dry slopes in lower to middle elevations, while Ceanothus fendleri is found higher at middle elevations. Finally, Ceanothus parviflorus blooms in the early spring, while Ceanothus fendleri blooms in mid-summer.
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Ceanothus parviflorus, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Mar. 30, 2008


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Ceanothus parviflorus, leaves opposite, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Mar. 30, 2008



Ceanothus parviflorus, detail of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Canyon, Mar. 30, 2008



Ceanothus parviflorus, detail of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., Rte. 180N near Alma, Mar. 24, 2009



Ceanothus parviflorus, macro of adaxial (top) surface of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., Rte. 180N near Pleasanton, January 15, 2010



Ceanothus parviflorus, macro of abaxial (lower) surface of leaf with pubescence in tufts and along the midvein, photo Russ Kleinman, Mogollon Mtns., Rte. 180N near Pleasanton, January 15, 2010


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