Chamaebatiaria Millefolium

Description

Chamaebatiaria Millefolium, also known as fernbush, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the rose family. It is native to western North America, particularly in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains regions. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with a spreading growth habit. It has slender, woody stems that are covered in gray-brown bark. The leaves are fern-like, with multiple small leaflets that give the plant a delicate appearance. In the summer, fernbush produces clusters of small white flowers that are followed by small, dry fruits that persist through the winter.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Fernbush is a shrub with slender, woody stems and delicate, fern-like leaves. The leaves are pinnately compound, with multiple small leaflets that are green on the upper surface and gray-green on the lower surface. The plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, with a spreading growth habit. In the summer, fernbush produces clusters of small white flowers that are followed by small, dry fruits that persist through the winter.

Care Guide

Water

Fernbush prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the winter.

Fertilization

Fernbush does not require regular fertilization. However, you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote growth and blooming.

Soil

Fernbush prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.

Sunlight

Fernbush prefers full sun to partial shade. However, it can tolerate shade.

Hardiness Zones

Fernbush is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.

Common Pests & Diseases

Fernbush is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, and spider mites. To prevent these issues, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Habitat

Fernbush is native to western North America, particularly in the Great Basin and Rocky Mountains regions. It grows in a variety of habitats, including dry slopes, rocky outcrops, and montane woodlands.

Question and Answer

Q: Can fernbush tolerate drought?

A: Yes, fernbush is drought-tolerant once established. However, it prefers moderate watering.

Q: How often should I prune fernbush?

A: Fernbush does not require regular pruning. However, you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to maintain its shape or remove any dead or damaged wood.

Q: Does fernbush attract pollinators?

A: Yes, fernbush produces small white flowers in the summer that attract bees and other pollinators.

Q: Can fernbush be grown in containers?

A: Yes, fernbush can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its spreading growth habit.

Related Plants

• Spiraea douglasii
• Symphoricarpos albus
• Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
• Amelanchier alnifolia
• Rosa woodsii

References

• https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/chamil/all.html
• https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CHMI
• https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/fernbush/fernbush-shrub-care.htm
• https://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/rockies/pdf/rockies_chamaebatiaria_millefolium.pdf