Oceanspray

(Holodiscus discolor)

Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Holodiscus discolor, commonly known as Oceanspray, is a fast-growing deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest edges, and dry slopes in the Western and Intermountain regions of the USA and Northern Mexico. It typically grows to 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) in height, but can reach up to 7 feet (2.1 m) tall. Oceanspray is known for its cascading clusters of creamy white flowers that bloom from May to July, which are highly ornamental and give the plant its common name. These flowers emit a faint sweet, sugary scent and are followed by small, hairy fruits containing a single seed, adapted for wind dispersal.

Oceanspray is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and its ability to thrive in a range of soil types, making it a versatile choice for naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, and erosion control on slopes. It is also used in restoration projects. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate part shade and is adaptable to various soil conditions with different drainage capabilities, from fast to slow. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but powdery mildew can occasionally be a problem in humid climates. Oceanspray is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 10-15 feet
  • Width: 10-15 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Cream, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands, forest edges, and dry slopes

Other Names

Common Names: Creambush , Creambush Oceanspray , Hillside Oceanspray , Ironwood , Zweifarbige Schaumspiere , Holodiscus À Feuilles Discolores , Holodisque Discolore , Vippspirea

Scientific Names: Holodiscus discolor , Holodiscus microphyllus , Holodiscus discolor var. microphyllus , Holodiscus microphyllus var. glabrescens , Holodiscus discolor var. delnortensis , Holodiscus boursieri , Sericotheca discolor , Holodiscus microphyllus var. sericeus , Spiraea ariifolia , Holodiscus discolor var. glabrescens

GBIF Accepted Name: Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim.