Plant Highlights

Creambush is a very attractive shrub with graceful arching branches, and profuse clusters of tiny cream flowers. It is common in Central and Northern California, and more sporadic in Southern California. It graces the slopes of the local mountains and can also be found in coastal areas. It is a useful horticultral addition for those tricky northern slopes, and will tolerate a wide variety of soils, including clay, or even shallow, rocky areas. In summer the 5" sprays of tiny cream flowers indicate why it is also named Oceanspray. This bush will grow to a height of 15' but can be easily contained to 10' with trimming. Use the prunings in flower arrangements as a substitute for Baby's Breath. The creamy flower sprays begin in summer and last into fall and even winter when they turn an attractive orangey-brown. First Nation people found many uses for this shrub, including medicinal uses of the flowers and leaves, but more importantly the very hard wood was fashioned into tools for cooking, arrows, and pegs to secure teepees. The larvae of many native moths and butterflies feed on the foliage of Creambush, it is a favorite nesting spot for Bushtits and attracts a variety of pollinators.