Description

California’s mock orange is found in scattered populations in much of the state, becoming more common in the northern Sierra and Cascades. It is one of the few members of the hydrangea family in the state. Mock orange grows as an open, upright shrub with large dark green leaves over mahogany bark. The spring flowers are prominent, with white petals and yellow-tipped stamen. They “mock” an orange blossom both in their appearance and in their citrusy fragrance, which is said to be one of the best among California’s native flora. The ‘Marjorie Schmidt’ selection was taken in Shasta County for its flowers, which were larger and more numerous than on nearby specimens. Mock oranges are winter deciduous.