This Ceanothus is an importance browse for several types of ungulate, such as the mule deer and bighorn sheep, who prefer the new growth and shoots to the older, spiny parts.

Ceanothus leucodermis is a thorny shrub growing erect to heights approaching 4 meters.

[2] The evergreen leaves are alternately arranged, oval in shape and up to about 4 centimeters long.

[3] The inflorescence is a long, stalked cluster of flowers in shades of blue, lavender, or white.

The fruit is a sticky, three-lobed capsule about half a centimeter long.