VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Ceanothus leucodermis | Chaparral Whitethorn 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Chaparral whitethorn is a preferred food of many large ungulates.  It is
an important mule deer food in parts of California, and is used by
bighorn sheep where stands are open and the browse accessible [7,48].
Sites dominated by chaparral whitethorn and birchleaf mountain-mahogany
(Cercocarpus betuloides) provide excellent winter habitat for bighorns
[4].  Heavy, wet snows frequently bend branches to within easy reach of
both bighorns and deer [13].  In some areas, winter mule deer utilization
of chaparral whitethorn may approximate 10 to 60 percent [13].  Fruits
and seeds of chaparral whitethorn are used by many small mammals, birds,
and insects [7].

Livestock make only low to moderate use of chaparral whitethorn.  This
browse is generally not favored in areas where more desirable species
are available [43,48].  Domestic sheep and goats often feed on chaparral
whitethorn where abundant, although cattle seldom use this species [43].


PALATABILITY : 
The spiny twigs of chaparral whitethorn render it somewhat less
palatable than many other species of ceanothus [13].  Tender young
sprouts and seedlings are generally much more palatable to wild
ungulates and livestock than are the spiny mature twigs [43].  However,
researchers have observed that the mature growth remains palatable to
deer [43].  The overall palatability of chaparral whitethorn to deer,
domestic sheep, and goats is described as low to moderate [43].  The
relish and degree of use shown by livestock and wildlife species for
chaparral whitethorn is rated as follows [43]:

	                            CA
Cattle				poor-useless
Sheep				good-fair
Horses				useless
Domestic goats			good-fair
Deer			        excellent-good


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Calcium levels of stems and leaves decline as plants age, and magnesium
concentrations peak in plants of intermediate ages [41].  The crude
protein content of chaparral whitethorn drops as leaves mature [43].
Specific nutritional values are as follows [43]:

			crude protein - %
young leaves		16
mature leaves		11

			crude fiber - %
			6.5 to 9.5


COVER VALUE : 
Because of its height and growth form, chaparral whitethorn presumably
provides good hiding, resting, and nesting sites for many smaller birds
and mammals.  Many stands or patches, particularly those with a more
open structure, also provide good cover for larger mammals such as deer
and bighorn sheep [7].



VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Little is known about the potential value of chaparral whitethorn in
rehabilitation.  However, many species within the genus Ceanothus are
well-suited for use in reclamation because of their rapid growth and
ability to improve soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen.


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Flowers of chaparral whitethorn contain detergentlike substances known
as saponins.  Many native peoples used the flowers of various species of
ceanothus to make soaps and shampoos [46].



MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Mechanical removal:  Chaparral whitethorn is described as "well-suited"
for periodic harvesting of biomass for energy production [39].  Plants
typically sprout prolifically as soon as the first growing season after
removal [39].

Related categories for Species: Ceanothus leucodermis | Chaparral Whitethorn