Whipplea modesta

Common Names

Modesty, Yerba De Selva, Whipplevine, Common Whipplea

Summary

Whipplea modesta is native to the western United States, occurring in California, Oregon, and Washington along the Cascade and Coast ranges, a trailing, slightly woody perennial forming a spreading groundcover about 4-8 inches tall and up to 2 feet wide, with dense clusters of small white flowers at the tips of flowering branches, leaves opposite and semi-deciduous with aromatic foliage, the sole species in its monotypic genus Whipplea commonly called Modesty or Yerba de selva, cultivation favors open to shaded dry rocky sites with some summer moisture, tolerates partial shade to full sun and various drainage conditions, making it useful for groundcover and erosion control on shady slopes, propagation by seed, layering, or rooted sections, drought-tolerant once established, deer resistant, and not toxic to humans or dogs and cats, while attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, it tolerates USDA zones 7-10, pH 5.0-7.0, and requires regular moisture during dry spells, with annual rainfall around 100-450 cm in its natural range.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

1.5-3 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

There isn’t a single ideal soil type; Whipplea modesta is adaptable to a variety of soil drainages, with well-drained soil suitable.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil; not perpetually wet, preferably rocky or sandy soils that drain well.

Soil pH

5.0 7.0 A soil pH of 5.0 to 7.0 is suitable

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to early Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies