Holodiscus discolor
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- Oceanspray redirects here, for the American food company see Ocean Spray (cooperative)
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 Foliage and flower buds
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| Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim. |
The shrub Holodiscus discolor bears the common names ocean spray and creambush. It is native to western North America, and is most common in the mountainous Pacific Northwest where it is part of the forest understory.
It is a fast-growing deciduous shrub growing to 5 m tall. Its leaves are small, 5-9 cm long and 4-7 cm broad, toothed, juicy green when new. Cascading clusters of white flowers drooping from the branches give the plant its two common names. The flowers have a faint sweet, sugary scent. It bears a small, hairy fruit containing one seed which is light enough to be dispersed by wind.
Ocean spray is found in a variety of habitats, from wet coastal forests to drier, cooler mountain peaks further inland. It tends to grow in areas dominated by Douglas-fir. The plant is found in areas prone to wildfire, and it is often the first green shoot to spring up in an area recovering from a burn. Ocean spray is commonly found in the chaparral community, which burns regularly. It also grows in areas swept clear by logging.
Historically the plant has been used for many purposes. The Lummi used the flowers as an antidiarrheal and the leaves as a poultice. Many other tribes used the wood and bark for making tools and furniture.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
Casebeer, M. (2004). Discover California Shrubs. Sonora, California: Hooker Press. ISBN 0-9665463-1-8
