VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Ceanothus foliosus | Waveyleaf Ceanothus 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 

Waveyleaf ceanothus is of limited value as livestock browse but is an
important source of food for wildlife.  Of the domestic animals, only
sheep and goats will utilize it.  It is readliy browsed by black-tailed
deer and cottontail rabbit [19,26].  Various birds and small mammals
consume the seeds, including western meadowlark, valley quail,
large-eared and Portola woodrat, and California ground squirrel [19].


PALATABILITY : 
The palatability of the leaves and twigs of waveyleaf ceanothus is rated
as good for deer, fair to poor for sheep and goats, and poor for cattle
and horses [2,26].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
The protein content of waveyleaf ceanothus leaves and twigs varies from
25.0 percent in May to 7.5 percent in January [3].


COVER VALUE : 
Waveyleaf ceanothus provides cover for various chaparral birds and small
mammals, such as valley quail, band-tailed pigeon, harvest mouse,
long-eared and Portola woodrat, brush rabbit, and cottontail rabbit [26].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Within its range, waveyleaf ceanothus is useful for soil erosion control
and improvement.  Its presence increases available nitrogen in poor
soils through the action of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules
[6,29].  It can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seed.  Van Dersal
[29] reported a 92 percent germination success rate following a hot
water treatment at 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees C) and a 3-month
stratification period at 36 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees C).


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
The dark blue flowers and prostrate form of waveyleaf ceanothus make it
an attractive ground cover for landscaping [29].


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Grazing:  Waveyleaf ceanothus is undesirable browse for cattle [26,29].

Control:  Waveyleaf ceanothus can be controlled by aerial applications
of 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T [11].  It can also be controlled by burning.  (see
Fire Management Considerations) 

Related categories for Species: Ceanothus foliosus | Waveyleaf Ceanothus