Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus ‘Yankee Point’, Yankee Point Mountain Lilac

This is one of the most commonly used California native plants. Yankee Point is a very garden tolerant spreading groundcover, with rich, dark green leaves and medium blue flowers in early spring. On the coast it will take wind and salt spray, and it will do equally well inland if given with afternoon shade and light water.

Tolerates summer water up to 2x per week. Dependable, tough, and tolerant of heat and heavier soils if they drain. Can use as a formal hedge, tolerates shearing with a hedge trimmer. It is often used as a large-scale groundcover and will stabilize slopes nicely. It reaches 2–3 ft. in height and spreads to 6–8 ft. Deer will browse it.