Ceanothus prostratus

Common Names

Prostrate Ceanothus, Squaw Carpet, Mahala Mat, Pinemat

Summary

An evergreen, mat-forming shrub native to western North America, with prostrate stems that root at distal nodes and dense, low coverage up to about 1.5–3 m wide. Typically 0.1–0.3 m tall, it features opposite, small obovate to oblanceolate leaves, 6–30 mm long and 4–16 mm wide, dark green and shiny above with paler undersides and teeth along the margins. Spring brings blue to lavender flowers in 1–2 cm umbel-like clusters, followed by small capsules (6–9 mm) with slender horns; the plant is a nitrogen-fixer and attracts pollinators, and it can resprout after fire, contributing to resilience in dry forest understories.

For cultivation, prefers a warm, sunny position with well-drained soils and tolerates some shade; pH 7.1–8.5; drought-tolerant once established; hardy to USDA zones 5–9. Propagation is possible from seed (ripe seed with cold stratification) or semi-hardwood cuttings; transplant with care to avoid root disturbance; pruning after flowering. Practical uses include ground cover and erosion control on slopes, rock gardens, and wildlife-friendly plantings; it also supports pollinators and provides year-round evergreen foliage in appropriate climates.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-20 inches

Spread

8-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; can handle full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy to loamy soil, lime-free, pH 5–7.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5–7, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Blue to lavender

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Dark green on the upper surface; paler green below.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies