all species produce abundant seed and some will sprout from the root 

 crown. As a group Ceanothus species are quick to invade burned or 

 denuded areas; whitethorn and snowbrush are especially prominent 

 in this regard. 



The poisonous glucoside saponin has been found in the flowers and 

 fruits of a number of species of Cewnothus and it probably occurs in 

 all the species. There is no evidence, however, that Ceanothun is a 

 stock-poisoning genus or a source of danger on the range. In fact, it 

 is well known that livestock will often crop the flowers and fruits 

 rather heavily and with evident impunity. The indications are that 

 the saponin passes without harm through the digestive tract of the 

 animal unless abrasions or other lesions occur through which the 

 alkaloid can directly enter the bloodstream. The English name soap- 

 bloom for species of Ceanothus, and the use of the flowers by Indians 

 and pioneers as a substitute for soap, are reflections of this presence 

 of saponin in the inflorescence of these plants. 



The leaves of Cean-othus species have short leafstalks (petioles) 

 and in many species are prominently three-ribbed or veined on the 

 lower side. The small, usually blue or white flowers are borne in 

 compact or elongated clusters either laterally or terminally on the 

 branches. When in large terminal clusters they are very showy. The 

 five somewhat spoon-shaped petals have very slender, mrolled necks, 

 the arching, hoodlike tips tending to enclose the pollen sacs (anthers) . 

 The globose, sometimes three-horned capsules are usually sticky (vis- 

 cid) when young, becoming dry and separating into three parts when 

 mature. 



