Description

This member of the rose family grows throughout much of the Western US. It ranges into California on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades. It grows in rocky settings as an upright shrub to about seven feet. The aromatic leaves are lance-shaped, with numerous fine leaflets. Their overall appearance is somewhat fern-like, which explains the common name. The spring growth terminates in racemes of bright white flowers. Fern bush grows in harsh settings at high elevations. It is reported to adapt quite well to other growing conditions, and does not appear to require a cold winter rest as do many other montane species. It is adaptable to a variety of soil types. After fern bush is established it is a good candidate for a naturalized bed, that is, a bed without supplemental irrigation.