Habitat: Found in open, deciduous woods, woodland edges, oak savannas, and meadows. It is low growing with a rounded crown and typically grows to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. In early summer it is covered with fragrant clusters of creamy white flowers.. Frequent in the mountains and piedmont, less frequent but widespread in the coastal Plain.
Wildlife value: It is a larval host plant for Mottled Duskywing, Spring Azure, Summer Azure butterflies. Flowers are highly attractive for their nectar to butterflies, bees, moths, predatory wasps and other insects. Its seeds are eaten by songbirds. Members of the genus Ceanothus supports specialized bees.
Notes: Not always easy to grow. Great dense shrub with a showy flower. Very well behaved, short and compact. Useful as a groundcover on rocky slopes. Does better with protection from winter temperatures. Fixes nitrogen