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SAVE THE DATE: Ordering begins Sun Aug 16 at 9am

Purple flowering clusters and tiny green leaves of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus) growing among brown branches and fallen leaves on the ground. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of dense green holly-like leaves with spiky edges of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of the low-growing green ground cover with many small, rounded, pinkish-red buds or berries among spiky green leaves of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A close-up of a cluster of small light purple flowers and deep green leaves of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus) growing in a natural outdoor setting with dry grass and soil. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Macro shot of a cluster of small pale lavender flowers with yellow stamens of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus) against a blurred natural background. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Purple flowers and spiky green leaves of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus) growing along the base of a textured brown tree trunk, with dry pine needles scattered around. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A close-up outdoor scene showing the base of a large tree trunk surrounded by Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus) growing as a green ground cover with small purple flowers, dry pine needles, and some grass in a natural setting. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.
A natural outdoor scene with a dense patch of Mahala Mat (Ceanothus prostratus) with small pale purple flowers covering the ground, surrounded by green grass, shrubs, and trees. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, native plant nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Mahala Mat

$14.95
$14.95

Ceanothus prostratus

*PRODUCT NOTE - This species is tricky to offer with our preorder model, due to how finicky they are in nursery pots, particularly throughout the summer months. At this time, we have plenty of them in stock. But, in the event that they become unavailable, you will receive a full refund or substitution. 

With its low, spreading, evergreen form, Mahala Mat crawls across the ground like a rich, deep green carpet sprinkled with powder blue woodland stars. Its leathery foliage provides year-round structure - but it is particularly stunning in late spring to early summer when clusters of delicate flowers, ranging in color from blue to nearly white, burst into bloom.  These blooms give way to bright red seed pods in late summer and fall, which are enjoyed by birds and small mammals.

A beautiful Pacific Northwest native for sunny, dry landscapes with excellent drainage, Mahala Mat also attracts a diversity of pollinators—including native bees, bumblebees, flies, beetles, butterflies, and other beneficial insects—and makes an excellent low-water groundcover for rock gardens, slopes, open woodland edges, and habitat plantings where its spreading form can weave naturally among other native plants. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, small shrub
  • Size at maturity: 0-1' tall; 3-8' wide 
  • Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry soil, must be fast-draining 
  • Bloom time: May - July
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, difficult to grow
  • Wildlife support: flowers provide nectar to adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators; overall plant is a caterpillar host and larval food source for native butterflies and moths 
  • Native habitat/range: relatively less-common in natural setting, and even more rare to find in retail nurseries. Most common in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon, with some populations further north in east and west-side forests of the Oregon and Washington Cascades. Portland Plant List - no. 
  • Special features & uses: groundcover; landscape uses include pollinator gardens and rock gardens, erosion control and green roofs; deer resistant; drought tolerant  

Gardening with Mahala Mat: Mahala Mat thrives in full to mostly sunny areas with very dry, sharply-draining soil, making it especially well-suited to drought-tolerant landscapes. In a habitat garden, use its low, spreading form as a living groundcover for rock gardens, tough sunny slopes, dry woodland edges, or beneath taller native shrubs and perennials where it can weave through the planting. Once established, minimize or eliminate summer irrigation and avoid adding rich, heavily amended soil and take care not to disturb the roots.  

Photo Credit 1 (flowers and stems): © Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 2 (foliage): © Evan M. Raskin, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 3 (reddish buds): © Justin Paulin, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 4 (flower cluster): © Dominic Gentilcore, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 5 (macro): © Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 6 & 7 (at tree base): © Garth Harwood, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 8 (in the wild): © Cody Hinchliff, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

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