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Dig into Plants: Mock Orange

Mock Orange

Other Common Names: Scentless Mock Orange, English Dogwood

Scientific Name: Philadelphus inodorus

Native to Alabama: Yes

Blue False Indigo

Mock Orange
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Stephanie Brundage

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Learn more about…

Basic Information
Classification Button
Maintenance
Adaptations Button
Plant ID
Life Cycle

Basic Plant Information
Blue False Indigo

  • I am a vascular plant with a woody stems above ground, so I am a shrub.
  • I do not keep leaves year-round, so I am deciduous.
  • I renew my growth each spring for many seasons, so I am perennial.
  • I can grow 6 – 12 feet high and 4 – 6 feet wide.
Mock Orange
Wikimedia – zigazou76

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Ecological Benefits
This plant provides food for:
Native Bees Other Birds Small Mammals
Other Plants Found in Alabama with Similar Ecological Benefits:
Hoary Mock Orange
(Philadelphus pubescens)

Maintenance Notes
  • Dormant in winter.
  • Flowers can be cut for an indoor vase.
  • Prune in early summer after flowering to maintain compact growth.
  • Maintain a mulch layer around the base to help keep roots cool and moist, especially during the summer.
  • Does best in part shade but will grow in full sun.
  • When watering, hold hose to base of plant for a count of 5 seconds. Water should reach all roots.
  • Avoid sprinkling water on the leaves.
  • Until established, water two times per week during the summer and once per week during the rest of the year.

Habitat Requirements
This plant prefers:
Full Sun
(6+ hours of sun per day)

Part Sun/Shade
(2-6 hours of sun per day)


Average Watering
Well-drained, Sandy, Loamy, Clay, or Moist soil

Leaf, Flower & Seed Identification
LEAF DESCRIPTION
Mock Orange Leaves
© Steve R. Turner, Missouriplants.com

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Leaf Characteristics Chart (PDF)
Shape: Margin: Arrangement: Form:
Ovate Entire/Smooth Serrate Opposite Simple
Description:
3-6 inches long and 1-3 inches wide; darker green on upper surface and lighter green underneath; upper surface does not have hairs while under surface may have few hairs; prominent veins on leaves
FLOWER DESCRIPTION
Mock Orange Flower
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center – Alan Cressler

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Flower Shapes Chart (JPG)
Color:
White
Shape:
Cross
Bloom Months:
May – June
Description:
1 inch across; white flowers occur in clusters of 3; petals are cup shaped; numerous yellow stamens in the center; somewhat fragrant scent
SEED DESCRIPTION
Mock Orange Fruit
Bruce Patterson – Go Botany

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Type:
Fruit – Capsule
Description:
Dry, 4-sectioned capsule; less than one inch in length and width; splits open when ripe
Months in Seed:
Summer
Plant spreads by:
Seeds
BARK DESCRIPTION
Color:
Light brown to
orange-brown
Texture:
Exfoliating (shredding); Appears paper-like
Description:
When tree is young, bark is light brown; develops into an orange-brown color with a shredding-like texture; upward branching pattern

Plant Life Cycle
Plant Life Cycle:
  • All plants start life as a seed. Seeds contain the new plant (embryo) and the nutrients inside of a protective coat. They must be dispersed (moved to a new location)
  • Once a seeed lands in a suitable environment, it will begin to grow to form the cotyledon or sprout. Small roots will begin growing into the soil, and a small leaf is developed.
  • The sprout becomes a seedling, developing a stem and leaves above ground.
  • As the seedling continues to grow, it will develop into a mature adult plant.
  • Mature adult plants are able to produce flowers that can be pollinated. The pollination process leads to the formation of new seeds, and the process continues.
Dreamstime
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS

Quick Fact Sheet
(Condensed Species Info)
QR Code
(Links to this Webpage)
Plant ID Sign (Text Only):
Ready as-is PDF
Plant ID Sign (Text Only):
Editable Word Doc
Plant ID Sign (With Picture):
Ready as-is PDF
Plant ID Sign (With Picture):
Editable Word Doc

INFORMATION SOURCES FOR THIS PLANT

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Logo
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Logo
Alabama Plant Atlas Logo
Alabama Butterfly Atlas Logo
Alabama Plant Atlas Logo