Creambush (Holodiscus discolor, Trudy Imp. S.-Peterburgsk. Bot. Sada 6:254. 1879)

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Maxim.

Bibliography: Trudy Imp. S.-Peterburgsk. Bot. Sada 6:254. 1879

Year: 1879

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Holodiscus

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to Mexico

Description

Creambush, scientifically known as Holodiscus discolor, is a noteworthy member of the Rosaceae family. This resilient and adaptable shrub is widely distributed from Western Canada down to Mexico, making it a common and recognizable plant across a significant portion of North America.

The Creambush is renowned for its multi-seasonal appeal. In the spring and early summer, it adorns itself with a profusion of delicate, creamy-white flower clusters that give the plant its common name. These blossoms gradually turn a charming, light brown as the season progresses. By autumn, the Creambush transforms again, showcasing warm hues that add to the landscape’s natural beauty.

This plant’s ecological range is extensive, thriving in various habitats from coastal regions to mountainous terrains. It often dominates clearings and forest edges, where it finds ample sunlight. Furthermore, its ability to withstand different environmental conditions underscores its adaptability.

Historically and culturally, Creambush holds significance as well. Indigenous peoples in its native range have utilized the plant for various purposes, from medicinal applications to practical uses in crafting tools and other items.

The authoritative identification and classification of this species can be credited to the work published in “Trudy Imperatorskago S.-Peterburgskago Botanicheskago Sada” in 1879 by Maxim, which persists as a respected source for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

In conclusion, Creambush (Holodiscus discolor) is an exemplary species that not only contributes to the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits but also offers aesthetic and cultural value. Its formidable presence from Western Canada to Mexico highlights its ecological versatility and the enduring fascination it holds within the botanical community.

Common Names

Dan: amerikansk spiræa
Eng: oceanspray, creambush, creambush oceanspray, hillside oceanspray, ocean-spray, ocean spray
Deu: zweifarbige schaumspiere
Swe: vippspirea
Fra: holodisque discolore, holodiscus à feuilles discolores
Cym: holodisgws
En: Creambush, Ocean-spray, Oceanspray, Creambush oceanspray, Ocean spray, Hillside oceanspray
Da: Amerikansk spiræa
Fi: Nukka-angervo
Fr: Holodisque discolore, Holodiscus à feuilles discolores
De: Zweifarbige Schaumspiere
Ru: Холодискус разноцветный
Sv: Vippspirea
Cy: Holodisgws

Synonyms

• Sericotheca discolor ((Pursh) Rydb.)
• Schizonotus argenteus var. discolor ((Pursh) Kuntze)
• Spiraea ariifolia var. discolor ((Pursh) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Spiraea discolor var. dumosa (S.Watson)
• Spiraea dumosa (Nutt. ex Hook.)
• Holodiscus dumosus (A.Heller)
• Holodiscus australis (A.Heller)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Great Britain (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 20, 2020 by Lucy LAB (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 10, 2018 by Caro Lohou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2019 by Demetre Demetre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2019 by Marzocchi Monica (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 3, 2022 by Christophe Coupry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by austyn Austyn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2019 by amanda amanda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 26, 2020 by ckbeaudoin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by stephen wright (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 10, 2015 by EOL − Paul Larson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 12, 2015 by EOL − eagleloft (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 15, 2014 by EOL − Wendy Feltham (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 13, 2014 by EOL − c michael hogan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2015 by EOL − Hanah Rolf (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Ha Anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Fruit

Taken Dec 5, 2002 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 10, 2015 by EOL − JK Johnson (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 25, 2015 by EOL − naturalist eve (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2015 by EOL − Donna Pomeroy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 24, 2021 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Veronique Boulanger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2021 by Daniel Gonzales (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2005 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1027403-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2987780)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Holodiscus discolor (Pursh) Maxim.)

Specifications

Growth form: Multiple Stem

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 6.5