Carpenteria californica, Bush Anemone

Scientific name: Carpenteria californica

Common name:Bush Anemone

A California Native evergreen shrub in the hydrangea family that can reach up to ten feet tall and wide.  White flower clusters bloom in the spring and summer.  It produces suckers that spread.  You can deadhead or lightly head back in the early summer after flowering.  Young plants need little pruning.  If you want the plant to have denser branching habits you can pinch at any time.  This is a rare species endemic to Fresno and Madera.  

Plant with: Common Manzanita (Arctostaphylos manzanita), Sticky Whiteleaf Manzanita (Arctostaphylos viscida), Spice Bush (Calycanthus occidentalis), Pinemat (Ceanothus diversifolius) or other Ceanothus species, Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni), California Blackberry (Rubus ursinus), Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), California Wild Grape (Vitis californica), and Bay Laurel (Umbellularia californica)

Care:

- Plant in full sun or light shade

- Best clay and in well drained soils

- Water three times a month

- Great companion plant under evergreen oaks

- Drought tolerant once established

- Deer resistant

- Fire resistant

- Great for erosion control and bank stabilization

- Hardy up to 20 degrees

- Attracts bees and butterflies

- California Native