Holodiscus discolor
Common name:
Oceanspray
Creambush
Arrowwood
Pronunciation:
ho-lo-DIS-kus DIS-ko-lor
Family:
Rosaceae
Genus:
Type:
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon:
Yes
- Broadleaf deciduous shrub, 10-15 ft (3-6 m) high, erect. Twigs slightly ribbed when young, pith large, white. Leaves, simple, alternate, to 10 cm long, shallowly toothed or lobed, grayish green. Flowers in early summer, soft, creamy white, clusters (20 cm long) hang down, they turn brown and persist (unfortunately). Fruit small, only about 2 mm, dry, hairy, one-seeded (achene), light brown.
- Part shade, grows well in any garden soil. Prune severely each year after flowering to maintain a loose, graceful shrub.
- Hardy to USDA Zone 5. Native from British Columbia to California and Idaho, found on well-drained to dry site, in sun and shade. Used by native peoples to make arrow shafts, hence its name "arrowwood". Wood is strong, especially if heated, so also called "ironwood". Short pieces, pegs, at one time used in construction by native peoples.
- Holodiscus: (holo, whole; discus, disc), refers to the unlobed disc lining the hypanthium (cup around the ovary). discolor: two colored, leaves are grey-hairy beneath.
- Oregon State Univ. campus: northwest of Community Hall, near walkway.
Click image to enlarge
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plant habit, flowering in habitat
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plant habit, in a landscape
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flowers and leaves
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leaves
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leaves
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flower cluster
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plant habit, Sept.
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fruit clusters, Sept.
