Holodiscus discolor 'microphyllus'
Also called:
Small-leaved Oceanspray
Small-leaved Creambush
Rock-spiraea
Botanical Description
Plant Family:
Rosaceae
Deciduous
Med - Lg Shrub (usually >3' and never < 1.5')
Oregon Native?
Yes
West State Native?
Yes
Native range, mid to high elevations in Oregon and California and east to Colorado and Arizona, especially in Great Basin region.
Flower:
White
Blooms from :
May
to:
Aug
Flowers in narrow clusters (panicals) to 10 cm long, 10-50 flowered; flowers 3-4 mm diameter, petals white.
Foliage:
Gray-Green
Leaves alternate, simple, to 2 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, light green to gray-green, often obovate, rounded to wedge-shaped base, small teeth on apical half of blade.
Site Selection
Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:
4
Water Needs:
L
Sun Needs:
Partial Sun
Deer Resistant?
No
Firewise?
Yes
Height:
3'
Spread:
15-20'
Growth Rate:
Medium
Native Habitat:
Oceanspray habitat varies considerably & includes streambanks, the understory of moist woods, cutover timberland and dry rocky soils and talus slopes.
Soil Needs
Adapted to course, medium and fine textured soils with pH 5.0 to 7.5. Ranging from sea level to 7000 ft., this species has moderate drought tolerance.
Fertilizer Needs:
low fertility requirements.
Recommended Mulch:
nothing found
Wildlife Uses
Attracts Pollinators?
Yes
Attracts Birds?
Yes
Supports Butterflies?
Yes
Wildlife use description:
Browsed by cattle, deer, elk & dusky-footed wood rats. Common understory species that provides cover for numerous birds, small mammals & tree frogs.