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Lewis' mock orange

Philadelphus lewisii

Lewis' mock orange is a lovely shrub that blooms with bright white flowers in spring. It has a sweet, citrusy smell that attracts butterflies and bees, making gardens feel magical!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Lewis' mock orange is a deciduous shrub with an upright, arching habit. It has clusters of four-petaled, bright white flowers, sometimes with purple blotches at their base. Its oval, green leaves appear opposite on the stems, giving it a dense, bushy appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyHydrangeaceaeGenusPhiladelphus
Lewis' mock orange
aromatic trait badgedeciduous trait badgeflowering trait badgeshrub trait badge
Lewis' mock orange

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It's the official state flower of Idaho, chosen for its beauty!

Its sweet-smelling flowers were sometimes used to make fragrant soaps.

Native Americans crafted sturdy arrows and tools from its resilient wood.

Unlike real oranges, the plant's tiny seed capsules are not for eating!

Special abilities

Ability

Scent Signal

Lewis' mock orange has intensely fragrant flowers that release sweet scents to attract insect pollinators from afar.

Ability

Drought Defender

This plant can withstand long dry periods, thanks to its robust root system that helps it find water.

Ability

Shelter Builder

Its thick, bushy branches create excellent hiding spots and safe nesting areas for small birds and creatures.

Measurements & details

Height
100-300 cm
Spread
100-200 cm
Flower Size
2-5 cm
Bloom Season
Late_spring_to_early_summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from flowers

pollinates

two-form bumble bee

Bombus bifarius

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen

eats

elk

Cervus canadensis

Browses on its leaves and young shoots

shelters

dark-eyed junco

Junco hyemalis

Nests and roosts within its dense branches

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always enjoy plants from a distance and don't eat any parts unless an adult says it's safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Lewis' mock orange?

100-300 cm

How wide does Lewis' mock orange spread?

100-200 cm

How big are the flowers on Lewis' mock orange?

2-5 cm

When does Lewis' mock orange bloom?

Late_spring_to_early_summer

Is Lewis' mock orange edible?

No

Is Lewis' mock orange toxic?

None

What is Lewis' mock orange's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Lewis' mock orange pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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