Carpenteria californica

Common Names

Bush Anemone, Tree Anemone

Summary

Bush Anemone is an evergreen shrub native to California's Sierra Nevada foothills, occurring in high-altitude chaparral and oak woodlands with seven sites in Madera and Fresno counties. It grows 3–10 ft tall with a broad, upright habit and leaves 2–4 in long that are glossy green above with bluish/whitish beneath, and flaky bark. Late-spring to early-summer, it bears clusters of pure white, fragrant flowers about 2–3 in across with many bright yellow stamens, making it a distinctive ornamental and wildlife-friendly accent.

It tolerates full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, including loam or clay, but prefers well-drained sites and is drought-tolerant once established; winter hardiness is zones 8–10. Regular irrigation is only needed in the first year, then deep moisture during dry periods, with drip irrigation recommended and overhead watering avoided. Pruning after flowering maintains shape; it can be propagated by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings, and the Elizabeth cultivar features large double white flowers. Uses include ornamental plantings in woodland and wildfire-conscious gardens, hedges for narrow beds or walls, and containers, with bees and butterflies attracted to the blooms; deer generally not bothered.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

5-7 ft

Spread

3-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, often decomposed granite, pH 6.0–8.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0–8.0, slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

White, sometimes with yellow centers or stamens.

Bloom Time

Spring and Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green with whitish undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

Green (evergreen)

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate; may be slow to establish in the first year or two.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Semi-hardwood cuttings, Softwood cuttings, Suckers

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds