HOLODISCUS. Cream bush. Western U. S. to South America. A group of slender-stemmed shrubs of the rose family, with several ornamental features. Those listed here are California natives, varying considerably in habit and scale. Both have picturesque trunks and attractive grey-brown bark. Both have toothed, deeply and neatly veined leaves, deep to bright green during the growing season and coloring beautifully before dropping in fall. Drooping clusters of tiny white flowers are carried at the shoot tips in late spring and summer. They take on attractive rusty hues after the flowers fade and hanging on until late fall. These are attractive both for naturalizing and as specimen shrubs. They have year-round interest, which includes their twiggy framework in winter. Both thrive in sun or light shade and well drained soils, with moderate to occasional watering once they are established. Their hardiness varies.

discolor. Ocean spray. This species is a frequent sight in the hills and canyons of coastal California, though its range extends also to British Columbia and Mexico. It grows generally upright, to about 8’ in our material, with graceful, slightly contorted branches. The leaves are broadly oval to nearly round in outline and 1-3" long. The flower clusters extend to as much as 10". This is a substantial shrub but one easily pruned and shaped as desired. Hardy to 10^oF or less.

microphyllus. Rock spiraea. This is a high mountain native, spreading to nearly matting in habit. The furry leaves are from under 1/4" to about an inch long, the flower clusters up to 3" and quite dense. Both the old clusters and leaves make a striking sight in fall. This is one for banks and other exposed spots with excellent soil drainage. It is small and pretty enough for larger rock gardens. Hardy to well below 0^oF.