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