Oceanspray Creambush
Holodiscus discolor
Rosaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Oceanspray (Holodiscus discolor, Rosaceae) is a native deciduous shrub ranging from British Columbia to California and east to Idaho, reaching 10 to 15 feet tall with a spread of about 9 feet. Soft creamy-white flower clusters up to 20 centimeters long hang from branch tips in summer and turn brown, persisting through fall. The plant is a larval host for Lorquin's admiral, pale tiger swallowtail, and spring azure butterflies.
Oceanspray grows in full sun on wet-tolerant soils (pH 6.5 to 7.5) with high water needs, hardy in Zones 5a to 8b. Documented diseases include leaf spot. Indigenous peoples used the hard, straight wood for arrow and spear shafts. No cultivars are in the trade.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Oceanspray Creambush has reached 'leaf emergence' (953 GDD₃₂) and is approaching 'flower buds visible', predicted around May 8.
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 632 |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 642 |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 702 |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 707 |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 712 |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 738 |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Leaf emergence' | 'Flower buds visible' | 743 |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 844 | '' |
| ● 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NOW | 953 | '' |
| ○ 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' NEXT | 1813 | '' est. May 8 (avg) |
| 'Fall color / leaf senescence' BBCH '93' | 2499 | '' est. Jun 5 (avg) |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 2863 | '' est. Jun 18 (avg) |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? GDD₃₂ thresholds from USA National Phenology Network citizen science observations (WA+OR). Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.