Ceanothus prostratus aka Mahala Mat

Taxonomy

Ceanothus prostratus, also known as prostrate ceanothus, pinemat, and mahala mat, is a species of shrub in the family Rhamnaceae. Native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, this creeping, evergreen shrub can spread up to 1.5m wide. It has leathery, dark green, toothed leaves and produces masses of bright blue flowers in the spring. Growing up to 6 inches tall and about 8 ft. wide, Ceanothus prostratus forms a flat, mat-like shape. Its oval-shaped, evergreen leaves are oppositely arranged with sharp teeth along the edges and a green, hairless upper surface. The flower cluster consists of small, deep blue or purple flowers, and the fruit is a wrinkled capsule. This shrub thrives in the understory of mixed conifer forests, as well as in open flats, ridges, and low chaparral areas. It can be found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 9,000 ft. However, it is notoriously difficult to cultivate due to unknown factors.

Common names

Mahala Mat, Squaw Carpet, Mahala Mats

How to care for Mahala Mat

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Mahala Mat, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Water

Mahala Mat should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mahala Mat loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Mahala Mat prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Mahala Mat plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Mahala Mat has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Mahala Mat’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to Colorado and California.


More info:
Wikipedia