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Holodiscus discolor - (Pursh.)Maxim.

Common Name Creambush, Oceanspray
Family Rosaceae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Woods and rocky places in California[71]. Streambanks and moist woods, canyons and hills from valleys to around 2,100 metres[212].
Range Western N. America.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Holodiscus discolor Creambush, Oceanspray


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund
Holodiscus discolor Creambush, Oceanspray
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Wsiegmund

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Holodiscus discolor is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Sericotheca discolor. Spiraea discolor. S. ariaefolia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw or cooked[106, 177, 183]. Small and dry[161, 183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Blood purifier  Ophthalmic  Poultice  Skin  Tonic

The seeds are a blood purifier[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of smallpox, black measles and chickenpox[257]. The blossoms have been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. The inner bark is tonic[257]. An infusion has been used as an eyewash[257]. The bark can be dried, powdered and then used with oil as a dressing on burns[257]. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to sore lips and sore feet[257]. A powder of the dried leaves has been used as a dressing on sores[257]. A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of influenza[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Wood

Wood - very hard. Used for making small tools, roasting tongs etc[118]. It does not burn easily[118].

Special Uses

Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in a good loamy soil that does not become too dry in summer, in full sun or light shade[200]. A fast-growing plant[188], it thrives in thin woodland[11]. A very ornamental plant[1, 11], when fully dormant it is hardy to about -15°c[200], though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts[K]. The flowers emit a perfume similar to meadowsweet[245].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

The seed requires 4 months stratification at 4°c. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Can be difficult[200]. Layering in spring. Easy[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Holodiscus dumosusRock SpiraeaShrub4.5 4-8  LMHSNDM11 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

(Pursh.)Maxim.

Botanical References

1171200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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