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Fendler's Buckbrush (Ceanothus fendleri) on the Front Range #754050

Asked June 04, 2021, 6:18 PM EDT

Hello, I live in Littleton, Colorado, on a hill overlooking the Platte River. I am re-wilding the landscape in my front yard. As part of the process, I'm planning ahead for a dryer and hotter climate here. I'm curious about Ceanothus fendleri. My goal is to get my landscape to the point where I have to provide very very little or no irrigation. Here are my questions: 1) Is it true this plant works well with Pinus Edulis? 2) Is Ceanothus fendleri invasive to my part of the world? 3) How heat and cold tolerant is Ceanothus fendleri? I appreciate any other information you have about cultivating Fendler's Buckbrush.

Arapahoe County Colorado

Expert Response

Hello Carolyn, 

Here's what I found in my research on your shrub, Fendler's Buckbrush (Ceanothus fendleri). 

It is a native of Colorado! Therefore, you shouldn't have to worry about it becoming invasive. It is commonly found in the Pinon-Juniper woodland.  So yes, it does do well with Pinus edulis. It is drought tolerant and rated to zone 4 hardiness.  (You are probably in zone 4a or 4b. You can look it up here. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/# )

Here is some more information about you shrub.  

https://wnmu.edu/academic/nspages/gilaflora/ceanothus_fendleri.html

https://treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/ceanothus/ceanothus-fendleri/

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Ceanothus_fendleri

Good luck, 

Jeff C


Arapahoe County Extension Replied June 07, 2021, 3:04 PM EDT
Great information. Thanks!

On Mon, Jun 7, 2021 at 1:04 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 07, 2021, 3:46 PM EDT

You are welcome.  Enjoy your planning! 

Arapahoe County Extension Replied June 07, 2021, 3:48 PM EDT

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