Mock Orange
Scientific Name:
Philadelphus lewisii
Physical Appearance:
Shrub
Moderate height and width
Light brown and even red~ish bark color
Leaves are a vibrant green with a rough texture
Several white, four-petaled flowers with yellow anthers
Flowers bloom in clusters
Produce dry, four-parted capsule
When Does It Grow:
Late spring, early summer
Preferred Environment:
Likes full light
Any soil type as long as it is not absurdly wet
Generally found in rocky slopes, canyons, and open regions in mountainous areas
Medicinal Uses:
The leaves and bark can be crushed to a powder to mix with oil to treat sore joints
Potentially known to treat canker sores (not sure if I buy it)
Role in the Ecosystem:
Attracts butterflies and caterpillars
Random:
You probably inferred this from the name, but mock orange got its name due to its flowers’ similarity to citrus plants, especially orange trees :)
Has been utilized to remove mildew and rust
Mock orange has a ton of saponins which is a type of steroid which is soluble in water and makes a froth! This mixture can be used as a cleaner or and soap
Aka intensely rubbing a few leaves and water in your hands will create a soap to help remove dirt
Native Americans used the wood for arrow shafts and bows
Mock orange is also used ornamentally because of its fragrant flowers (I am sorry there are no photos of the flowers, but it’s still a sapling and hasn’t bloomed yet)
Fire resistant! Mock orange will resprout from the root crowns and utilize its seed bank that it has stashed in the soil