Native Plant Database

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Holodiscus discolor (Cream bush)
Northington, David K.

Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim.

Cream bush, Hillside oceanspray, Mountain spray, Oceanspray

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

USDA Symbol: HODI

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Ocean Spray is a many-stemmed, spreading shrub that normally grows 4-5 ft. tall but can reach 7 ft. The stems are slender and often arching, bearing deeply lobed and toothed, deciduous foliage. During the flowering season (May-August), the shrub is a complete mass of tiny, fragrant, creamy-white flowers arranged in large, plumed clusters. Older bark is dark red to brown or gray and exfoliating.

Ocean Spray is a member of the rose family (family Rosaceae) which includes about 2000 species of trees, shrubs, and herbs worldwide; approximately 77 native and 9 naturalized tree species and many species of shrubs and herbs in North America. This shrub is a colorful reclaimer of open or disturbed lands.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA
Canada: BC
Native Distribution: CA Coast Ranges to B.C. & w. MT
Native Habitat: Rocky, north-facing slopes; moist, open woods; stream banks; below 7000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Dry to moist, gravelly or rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: A colorful reclaimer of open or disturbed lands.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Butterflies (swallowtail, azure, and Lorquins admiral butterflies)
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Semi-hardwood cuttings, suckers and seeds have been used with success.
Seed Collection: Seeds are produced in tiny, dry capsules.
Seed Treatment: The tiny seeds require cold stratification at 41 degrees for up to 18 weeks.
Commercially Avail: yes
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PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray) is a PlantWise native alternative for:

   Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)
   Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed)
   Tamarix ramosissima (saltcedar)

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Holodiscus discolor in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Holodiscus discolor in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Holodiscus discolor

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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