Ceanothus velutinus (Buckbrush, Sticky Laurel)
While I have not dseen this plant in the Magnolia area, I have every reason to suspect that we have it. I photographed this plant on the Caribou Open
Space, and the habitat is the same type.
C. velutinus is a much larger plant than C. fendleri
The volatile oils in these leaves may present a fire hazard, if the plant community is extensive.