Ocean spray is also known as Indian arrowwood because its straight hardwood branches were used by Native Americans for arrow shafts. Other names for this plant are Holodiscus discolor, ironwood or creambush. It is common in forested areas in eastern Washington and west of the Cascade Mountains.
Ocean spray provides a favorite source of nectar for many kinds of adult butterflies, but is also a favored larval host plant for specific butterfly species including:
Behr's hairstreak
butterfly nectaring on ocean spray flowers
Anicia checkerspot
butterfly nectaring on ocean spray flowers
Ocean spray flowers
Ocean spray or creambush leaves with spring
azure butterfly
Ocean spray leaves and unopened flowers - Holodiscus discolor
Ocean spray bush
