Oceanspray

Holodiscus discolor

close up of oceanspray's tiny white flowers in a cluster

Plant Description

Oceanspray is a deciduous shrub native to dry slopes, forest edges, and riparian areas of western North America. It typically grows 3–15 feet tall, with arching branches and lobed, toothed leaves. In early to mid-summer, it produces cascading clusters of fragrant, creamy-white flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. By late summer, the blossoms give way to small, papery seed clusters. Ecologically, oceanpsray provides valuable nectar and pollen, offers cover and nesting habitat for birds, and contributes to slope stabilization. Its showy blooms and adaptability to varied conditions make it a prominent species in Pacific Northwest shrub and woodland communities.

Plant Details

Life Forms	Shrub
Habitats	Bluffs Bottomland forests Conifer forests Fencelines Forest edges Forest openings Forest plantations Forest understories Forests Gardens Grasslands Gravel pits Hillsides Little Habitats Meadows Mixed hardwood-conifer forests Oak savannas Oak woodlands Parklands Prairies Residential yards Riparian areas Riparian forests Roadsides Trailsides Upland prairies Woodlands
Soil and Moisture Conditions	Dry to moist
Special Uses	Attracts birds Attracts pollinators and or other beneficial insects Autumn color Blooms July Blooms June Blooms May Deciduous Drought tolerant Erosion control Flowering Flowers white Good for rock garden Good for shady woodland garden Hedgerow Herbaceous Ornamental Perennial Produces nectar Produces pollen Produces seeds Provides soil stabilization Provides wildlife habitat Restoration/revegetation Woody
Shade Preference	Full shade Full sun Part shade
Mature Height	to 15'