Bush anemone (Carpenteria californica)

Photo by: Brother Eric Vogel, F.S.C.
Native Wildflowers of California CD-ROM

Plant Profile

There is only one species of Carpenteria. This lovely and adaptable plant is one of California's rarest endemic shrubs. The plant originally grew in only localized areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills between Kings and San Joaquin rivers in Fresno County. It is named in honor of Professor William M. Carpenter (1811-1848), a Louisiana physician.

This three to six foot, slow growing, evergreen shrub has many stems arising from its base. Each pure white, saucer-shaped flower has a golden center of stamens. Bloom time: May to August

Culture

Bush anemone likes full sun to partial shade. It needs some summer water until established. Once established, summer water improves growth but may shorten life of plant. This plant makes a good specimen shrub and is perfect for a white and silver garden.

California Native Plant Society - North Coast Chapter
P.O. Box 1067 Arcata, CA 95518-1067
Last updated February 4, 1997