Leaf blades 13–25(–30) × 9–15 mm, margins denticulate, revolute, abaxial surface densely tomentulose, veins obscured. Capsules 5–7 mm wide.

Flowering Jan–Apr. Ridges, slopes, chaparral; 200–1300 m; Calif.; Mexico (Baja California).

Variety crassifolius occurs on coastal slopes of the Transverse Ranges in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, the outer Peninsular Ranges, and northern Baja California. Some specimens in the Transverse Ranges suggest intergradation with var. planus. Putative hybrids between var. crassifolius and Ceanothus ophiochilus have been reported (S. Boyd et al. 1991).