Littleleaf Mock Orange
Philadelphus microphyllus
Family: Hydrangaceae
Deciduous, variable, rounded, spreading shrub growing 2-6’ tall and a little wider than tall. Spring brings very fragrant blooms, not quite like the mock-orange that you normally expect—this plant really has its own scent with orange and vanilla overtones.
Part sun to shade, moderate water with very good drainage (does not like wet feet in winter). Hardy to -20°F.
Very loved by bees but primarily pollinated by the Achemon sphinx moth (Eumorpha achemon).
The capsular fruits of this plant have been used for food.
There are 45 species of Philadelphus native to North America, Central America, Asia and (locally) in southeast Europe. The genus name, Philadelphus, is a Greek-derived name after Ptolemy Philadelphus, Greek King of Egypt from 309-247 BC; the species epitaph, microphyllus, means small-leaved.
Found on steep, rocky slopes and canyons in oak woodlands and pine forests, from 5,000-9,000 ft. in Colorado, west to California, south through Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona into northern Mexico.
The flowers are extremely fragrant, photo by Juan Cruzado Cortés, iNaturalist
Plants can be found growing as large sprawling shrubs like this or sometimes found dangling from cliffs, photo by Peri Lee Pipkin, iNaturalist
The dry capsular fruits, photo by ellen hildebrandt, iNaturalist