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Common Name: Rock Spiraea

General Information

Holodiscus dumosus is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Western N. America - Wyoming to Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.

Habitat

Dry rocky desert valleys and hillsides well up into the mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a good loamy soil that does not become too dry in summer[] in full sun or light shade[].
Plants are hardy to about -15c[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Small and dry[].
The leaves can be steeped in water to make a tea[].

Medicinal

A decoction of the root has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach disorders[].
A decoction of the stems has been used in the treatment of colds and stomach disorders[].
A decoction of the flowers, leaves and stems has been used as an antiseptic wash[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

The seed requires 4 months stratification at 4°c. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed should be sown as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Can be difficult[].
Layering in spring. Easy[].