Holodiscus discolor aka Ocean Spray

Holodiscus discolor is a deciduous shrub in the rose family. Common names include ocean spray, creambush, and arrowwood. Its native range runs from western Canada south to Mexico. It also grows wild in Oregon. The shrub has an upright shape with loose branches. Several straight stems rise from its base. These stems give the plant a broad, bushy outline.

Garden plants reach about 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall and wide. Oregon State describes heights up to 15 feet (4.6 metres). Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size. The bark is smooth and gray-brown. Young twigs have slight ridges that fade as they age. Inside, they have a large core of white pith. The leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf is simple, oval, and toothed or lobed. Their upper sides are green to gray-green. Fine gray hairs cover the paler undersides. Leaves fall at the end of the growing season.

Small cream-white flowers hang in large, loose clusters. These clusters can reach about eight inches (0.2 metres) long. Oregon State places flowering in early summer; RHS says midsummer. Chicago records a wider bloom season, from May through October. The blooms draw butterflies to the garden. Old flower clusters turn brown and remain on the shrub. Tiny, dry, light-brown fruits follow the flowers. Each hairy fruit holds one seed. Fruit clusters can last through winter into the next growing season.

Grow this shrub in sun or part shade. It suits fertile soil that lets water drain freely. RHS lists sand, loam, and chalk as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil conditions. Wild plants also occupy well-drained to dry sites. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H5. Chicago lists USDA zones 5–9, while Oregon State confirms zone 5. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. Seeds, semi-ripe summer cuttings, and layering offer ways to raise plants.

Ocean spray suits hedges, screens, and planting as a specimen. RHS also lists informal gardens and flower borders as uses. Its hanging blooms provide summer interest, followed by lasting brown clusters. Native peoples used the straight stems to make arrow shafts. They also made small pegs from the strong wood. Heating the wood increased its strength. The supplied species-level sources do not establish food uses or toxicity.