Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Carpenteria californica
Bush anemone is a California endemic shrub bearing fragrant white flowers with yellow stamens; not an herbaceous Anemone.
Carpenteria californica · Evergreen flowering shrub
Profile
- Light
- Sun near coast; partial shade in hot interiors
- Habit
- Upright shrub commonly 4–8 ft
- Flowering
- White spring to early-summer flowers
- Pruning
- Light shaping after bloom; retain natural structure
Water & soil targets
- Moisture (VWC)
- Site-calibrated; depends on soil texture
- Salinity tolerance
- Not reliably characterized for this catalog label; avoid saline irrigation and diagnose with soil/water testing.
- Drought tolerance
- Good once established in suitable conditions.
Optimal root measurement depth
6–12 in
Typical active root zone for established native shrubs and vines. Typical guidance; confirm with a soil probe on site.
Water deeply and let soil partly dry; occasional summer water may improve appearance, but avoid crown saturation.
Problems to watch
- Root rot in poorly drained soil
- Scale insects
- Sun scorch on exposed hot sites
Stress signs
- Brown scorched leaf margins
- Sticky foliage with sooty mold
- Wilt despite wet root zone
Where you'll find it
- Native flowering specimen
- Open woodland border
More plants, natives & crops
California BuckwheatCalifornia FuchsiaCalifornia Lilac (Ceanothus)California PoppyCalifornia SagebrushCalifornia Wild Grape
All Science profilesGeneral agronomic guidance and typical ranges; actual targets vary by site, soil, climate and season.