Rock Spiraea
Holodiscus dumosus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Holodiscus dumosus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 4.5

Where it is found

Dry rocky desert valleys and hillsides well up into the mountains.

Western N. America - Wyoming to Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw or cooked. Small and dry. The leaves can be steeped in water to make a tea.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach disorders. A decoction of the stems has been used in the treatment of colds and stomach disorders. A decoction of the flowers, leaves and stems has been used as an antiseptic wash.

Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a good loamy soil that does not become too dry in summer in full sun or light shade. Plants are hardy to about -15c.

Propagating it: The seed requires 4 months stratification at 4°c. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, July/August in a frame. Can be difficult. Layering in spring. Easy.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. discolor dumosus. Sericotheca dumosa. Spiraea dumosa.