Holodiscus discolor
“Oceanspray”

Butterfly photo: OldManTravels@flickr.com Form photo: arrowlakelass@flickr.com

One of my favorite native plants, the name “Oceanspray” really describes it well. When in bloom, the flowers look just like a foaming wave crashing down. The fragrant 5” flower clusters bloom May-July & age to a lovely russet color. Excellent for attracting butterflies & bees to your garden, it would be a beautiful addition to a bouquet. Native to British Columbia down to California & east to Utah & Nevada. Native Americans used the strong wood of this plant to make arrows & the flowers & seeds are both edible. Can be grown in sun or shade but looks better with a little bit of both, such as on the edge of a tree canopy. Can also tolerate salt air & wind. To 8’ tall & wide.

Kelly Kilpatrick
Horticulturalist