Oceanspray - qcagʷəc - (Holodiscus discolor)
Known by other names such as Creambush or Ironwood, the Oceanspray is a fast-growing deciduous shrub. The oval to triangular leaves of the Oceanspray are green on the upper surface and paler underneath. White cascading clusters of drooping flowers bloom from the shrub’s branches between May and July. The flowers have a faint sugary scent and act as a pollinator for native bees and butterflies. Oceanspray bares a single-seeded fruit in late summer which is so light it can be carried by the wind. Seeds can be eaten, and wood is known for its strength. Native tribes used an infusion of dried seeds, and the poultice of the plants bark and leaves medicinally.
*Preforms well in shade to full sun
* Prefers dry to moist well-drained soil, drought tolerant
*Suitable in open forests or coastal bluffs, common in disturbed (logged, and/or burned areas and roadsides). Ideal for drier areas of landscapes such as a sunny woodland garden, near the back of a shrub bed, or next to a building.
* Max height 20 feet, but more often grow 3-10 feet.
*Sold Bare Root
*Sold in bundles of 5
qcagʷəc *Lushootseed provided by the Puyallup Tribal Language Program and audio by Chris Briden, Puyallup Tribal member.