Ceanothus prostratus, (Pinemat)
Pinemat is a species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common names prostrate ceanothus and mahala mat. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, into northern California and Nevada, where it grows in coniferous forest and open plateau. This is a flat, mat-forming shrub growing 6 inches tall up to about 8 ft. wide. Pinemat grows in the understory of mixed conifer forests, from foothills to subalpine areas. It also inhabits open flats and ridges in areas of low chaparral as well as dry interior forest ecosystems. It can be found from elevations ranging between 1,000 and 9,000 ft. It is notoriously difficult to grow due to unknown factors. It is known for its vibrant blue flowers and spreading habit and is a common nitrogen-fixing shrub.
- Size (10yr): 2–3 ft tall, 6–8 ft wide
- Form: Spreading, low-growing shrub
- Zone: 5–9
- Light: Full sun
- Water: Low; drought-tolerant once established
- Bloom: Spring; clusters of blue flowers
- Dormancy: Evergreen