depth in shady areas in the spring following fire scarification. Varieties There are four weakly defined varieties of Ceanothus integerrimus. Identification is primarily by leaf morphology and flower color: Ceanothus integerrimus var. californicus. Leaves elliptic, lanceolate or oblong to ovate in shape and are three ribbed, from the leaf base. Leaf surfaces have small hairs and the undersides are less hairy than the surface. Flowers generally white or blue. Ceanothus integerrimus var. integerrimus. Ceanothus integerrimus var. macrothyrsus. Leaf blades oblong or ovate. Leaf bases are three ribbed at the base. Leaf surfaces are pubescent on both the surface and undersides. Flowers are white. Ceanothus integerrimus var. puberulus. Leaf blades elliptical or lanceolate and oblong to obovate in shape. Leaf base is three ribbed from the leaf base. Leaves are also pubescent on both sides. Flowers white. Ceanothus integerrimus hybridizes with Ceanothus tomentosus (Lemmon's ceanothus) and Ceanothus cordulatus (mountain whitethorn). Ecology C. integerrimus is an important part of forest regeneration after wildfires by providing nitrogen. It does this by creating nitrogen rich patches in the soil. The nitrogen source is created by its root association with nitrogen fixing bacteria. Deer and specifically mule deer feed on C. integerrimus. Porcupines and quail have also been observed eating the stems and seeds. Nutritionally leaves are a good source of protein and stems and leaves also contain high levels of calcium. However, nutritional quality of leaves is seasonal and appears to be best from fall to early spring. Uses Indigenous peoples of California use the branches to treat women after childbirth. The Miwok Indians of Northern California also use the branches of this plant in weaving complex baskets. The Concow tribe call the tree hē′-bē (Konkow language). Cattle ranchers will claim that cattle do immensely well on this plant during their seasonal grazing. References Bibliography Debano, L. F. & Conrad, C. E. (1978). The Effect of Fire on Nutrients in the Chaparral Ecosystem. Ecology 59 (3): 489–497. Gibbens, R. R. P. & Schultz, A. M. (1963). Brush manipulation on a deer winter range. California Fish and Game 49 (2): 95–118. [5976]. Griffin, James R. (1982). Pine seedlings, native ground cover, and Lolium multiflorum on Marble-Cone burn, Santa Lucia Range, CA. Madrono 29 (3): 177–188. Jepson Flora Treatment: Ceanothus integerrimus Howard, Janet L. (1997). System Ceanothus integerrimus In: Fire Effects Information [Online]. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences Laboratory.