[calscape.org] Range, Habitat, Cultivation: This Ceanothus is endemic to coastal California, where its distribution extends from the Central Coast region through the southern North Coast region. It is a plant of the chaparral, coastal scrub, and closed-cone-pine forest plant communities. Carmel Ceanothus is the most popular Ceanothus for California garden. Unlike the always low-growing Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. thyrsiflorus, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus is quite variable in form, ranging from a low and spreading groundcover to rounded and upright shrub. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)