Family: Rubiaceae

Deciduous, riparian shrub growing 6-12’ tall or sometimes even taller in favorable conditions. Leaves turn bright colors (yellow, orange, scarlet) in the fall. Large fuzzy ball flowers (usually white but rarely pink) that attract numerous species of pollinators (butterflies, bees, etc) bloom from June into fall. They’re very fragrant and permeate a good area. Our native species is of the var. californicus which are basically the plants native to the more arid southwestern United States.

Full sun to shade, regular water, hardy to -20°F.

Larval food plant for the Titan sphinx (Aellopos titan) and Hydrangea sphinx (Darapsa versicolor) moths. Waterfowl and other birds eat the seeds. Wood ducks utilize the plant as nest protection, and mallards eat the fruit. Insects and hummingbirds take the nectar, with bees using it to make honey.

This species has a number of historical medicinal uses, but precaution and expertise should be utilized because it is also toxic due to the presence of cephalanthin. Used for eye trouble and as a medicine for dysentery.

Found along the margins of streams, often in canyons in rocky soils to marshy land from 1,500-4,500 ft. widespread throughout the United States, southeastern Canada, and into Mexico.