Adenostoma sparsifolium

Common Names

Red Shank, Red Shanks, Redshank, Ribbonwood, Ribbon Bush

Summary

Red shanks is a native evergreen shrub or small tree of chaparral and dry slopes in Southern California and northern Baja California, typically 6–18 ft tall and up to 10 ft wide with an upright, multi-trunk form. It features feathery evergreen foliage and distinctive reddish exfoliating bark that peels in ribbons, with small white flowers blooming in summer and often described as fragrant; it is deep-rooted and resprouts after fire via a lignotuber, contributing to fire resilience.

It thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating sand or clay and needing very low water once established, with irrigation commonly limited to about once per month. It tolerates soils with a pH roughly 6.2–7.2 and is hardy to USDA zones 7–10, with cold tolerance down to about 10°F; common uses include erosion control and bank stabilization, hedges or screens, and bee or butterfly gardens. Propagation is by seed, with scarification or brief H2SO4 soak (about 15 minutes) sometimes used to improve germination.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-20 ft

Spread

5-15 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.2–7.2

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Fall

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes, Butterflies: Yes, Birds: Yes, Other pollinators: Insects