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Close-up of the showy white flower of Snowbrush or Mountain Balm (Ceonothus velutinus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close-up of the showy white flower of Snowbrush or Mountain Balm (Ceonothus velutinus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Growth habit of Snowbrush or Mountain Balm (Ceonothus velutinus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Growth habit of Snowbrush or Mountain Balm (Ceonothus velutinus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Population of Snowbrush or Mountain Balm (Ceonothus velutinus). One of 100+ species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Snowbrush

Ceanothus velutinus

Snowbrush, also known as mountain balm, is a lovely large evergreen shrub with tremendous habitat value. In early spring, its bright green leaves become shiny and sticky with a delightfully fragrant resin, followed by equally fragrant plumes of white flower clusters. Snowbrush often colonizes burned areas because its seeds are fire-resistant and can remain dormant for many years.

  • Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, large shrub
  • Size at maturity: 5-15' tall, 8-12’ wide  
  • Light requirements: full sun to partial shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry to seasonally moist soil, must be well-drained
  • Bloom time: May - Aug
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: leaves are a caterpillar and larval food source (host plant); flowers are a nectar source for adult butterflies, bee, other insect pollinators and humming birds; seeds are eaten by songbirds and small mammals; overall plant attracts/supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a food source for deer and elk.
  • Native habitat/range: locally common in forest openings and edges across the Pacific Northwest from northern CA north to SW British Columbia though it is not found in some coastal areas nor much of central WA. Portland Plant List - yes.  
  • Special features & uses: evergreen; pollinator and wildlife favorite; used by native people as a cleansing solution, hair wash for dandruff, and medicinally for skin ailments, diaper rash, and arthritis; landscape uses include pollinator garden, native hedgerow, rock garden, woodland garden openings and edges and erosion control on slopes 

Gardening with Snowbrush: This spectacular shrub prefers full sun and well-drained soils, especially disturbed sites where its deep nitrogen-fixing roots can control erosion and restore soil health. It is drought tolerant and excess water can even cause disease and weaken the plant. Its large, evergreen branches make it an excellent choice for native hedgerows and privacy screens. 

Photo Credit 1: "2011.07.16_13.07.42_IMG_4088" by andrey_zharkikh is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo Credit 2 & 3: "Ceanothus velutinus - snowbrush ceanothus" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo Credit 4 & 5: "Ceanothus velutinus" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0