Adenostoma sparsifolium aka Red Shank

Adenostoma sparsifolium, known as redshank, belongs to the rose family. It grows in California and Baja California, Mexico. Its habitats include chaparral and dry shrubland. In chaparral, it occurs at heights of 984–8,202 feet [300–2,500 metres] above sea level. It keeps its leaves all year. Sources describe it as a large shrub or a tree. Several stems form a plant reaching about 20 feet [6 metres] tall.

The bark gives redshank much of its visual interest. Its reddish-brown surface sheds thin flakes and paper-like sheets. The slender young twigs stay green for some time. Narrow, pointed leaves give the foliage a cedar-like look. They measure about a quarter to half an inch long. Their green surfaces shine and feel sticky. The leaves contain resin and have a pleasant scent. That resin also makes the foliage easy to ignite.

Small flowers form clusters at the ends of twigs. Most flowers are white, though some show pale pink tones. Plants For A Future gives May to June as flowering time. Virginia Tech places flowering more broadly in summer. Each flower has both male and female parts. Insects pollinate the flowers. Small, dry, brown fruits follow in loose groups. The bark, fine leaves and flowers provide interest in planted beds.

Redshank needs full sun and soil that drains well. It can grow in sand, loam or clay. It also tolerates poor soil and a range of pH levels. These range from mildly acid through neutral to mildly alkaline. It accepts dry or moist soil and can withstand drought. Choose a sheltered site, away from cold winds. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Yet it warns that long winter frosts can damage plants. In Britain, outdoor growing suits the milder regions best. A south-facing or southwest-facing wall offers shelter in colder places.

Plants For A Future lists the seeds as edible, but gives no preparation details. It reports no known hazards; this does not establish safety for every use. Recorded folk uses include leaf drinks for colds and toothache. Other preparations aimed to cause bowel movements or vomiting. These records do not prove that the treatments are safe or effective. People also used crushed twigs in salves. Fibrous bark supplied material for skirts. The wood served for posts, building and hot-burning fuel. The source does not flag redshank as a weed.