Redshanks is a woody shrub or small tree native to southern California and northern Baja California. It grows 6-15 feet tall with narrow, linear leaves. Its old bark is red-brown and shreddy, giving it its common name of "Redshanks". Redshanks blooms in summer with small pale-yellow or cream flowers and is covered in blooms, attracting native pollinators. It is commonly used in chaparral-themed gardens and provides habitat for birds. Redshanks thrives in hot, dry places and requires full sun, adaptable soil, and little to no summer water once established.

1. Redshanks – Adenostoma sparsifolium
(ad-en-OS-toh-muh spar-si-FOH-lee-um)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Southern CA from San Luis Obispo county to n. Baja, with largest populations in
Riverside, San Diego counties. Locally in Santa Monica Mtns.; dry, well-drained slopes and mesas at
elevations from 1,000 to 7,000 feet in Chaparral.
Native to:
woody shrub/tree
mature height: 6 -15 ft.
mature width: 8-12 ft.
Woody shrub, mostly evergreen, often with multiple branches. Leaves are very narrow, linear,
glandular. Old bark is red-brown, shreddy, hence the name ‘Redshanks’.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in summer. Small pale-yellow or cream flowers in open clusters.
showy in bloom – literally covered with blooms. Flowers attract native insect pollinators.
Blooms/fruits:
Very
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a specimen plant or in chaparral-themed gardens. Can be
pruned up to make an interesting multi-trunk tree – has lovely natural shape.
Good habitat for
birds. Thrives in hot, dry places. Good on slopes. Note: NOT FIRE-RETARDANT.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Acacias and other drought tolerant trees/large shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun.
Adaptable; fine in clays. pH 6.5-7.5.
None to little summer water once established (Water Zone 1 to 1-2]
Not needed; light dose OK.
Like organic mulch.
Management:
Pretty easy. Prune out dead/diseased branches as needed. Can prune as tree.
Propagation: from seed: acid or smoke treatment
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers):
by cuttings: probably – semi-soft wood
8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 20
10/29/13
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