[Sidenote: =Deer-brush, Mountain Lilac=
_Ceanòthus integérrimus_
=White, blue
Summer
Cal., Oreg., Wash., Ariz.=]
A graceful shrub, or small tree, six to fifteen feet tall, the slender
trunk and branches covered with dull yellowish-green bark and the
bright green foliage setting off the feathery flower clusters, two
to six inches long, scattered lightly over the bush and composed of
innumerable, tiny, sweet-scented blossoms. The leaves are alternate,
half an inch to three inches long, toothless, thin in texture,
very slightly downy or smooth, with three veins, and the flowers
cream-white, occasionally blue or pink, with conspicuous stamens, which
give the plume-like sprays a delicate foamy effect against the dark
forest background. This shrub is a beautiful sight when in flower and
sometimes covers the mountainsides with drifts of snowy bloom, filling
the air with delicate perfume. It is quite variable and sometimes has
dark shiny leaves and small compact clusters of flowers. It is often
called White Tea-tree, because the bark is used medicinally.
[Sidenote: =Blue Mountain Lilac=
_Ceanòthus parvifòlius_
=Blue
Summer
California=]
An attractive mountain shrub, growing in Yosemite, and elsewhere in the
Sierra Nevada Mountains at similar altitudes, low and spreading, about
three feet high, with smooth, pale green branches and small, smooth,
toothless leaves, dark green and shining on the upper side, pale on
the under. The oblong clusters of minute blue flowers are slightly
sweet-scented and about two inches long.