Description

Ocean spray occurs in mountainous settings throughout California and beyond. It is found in a variety of situations, but usually with some shade. It grows in an upright, rounded form with an open structure. The soft leaves are slightly lobed and scalloped. Ocean spray displays dense clusters of white flowers in the later spring and early summer which brighten a shady growing site. These sweetly scented flowers attract a variety of pollinators. Ocean spray grows to ten feet or more, but generally not more than 6 feet. At high elevations, such as the summits of Mt. Hamilton and Mt Umunhum, it grows to a shrub of about three feet in height. Ocean spray is a great plant to try under the shade of oaks.