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(Plagianthus divaricatus)
Saltmarsh Ribbonwood (Plagianthus divaricatus)
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Lisa Bennett
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Lisa Bennett
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Lisa Bennett | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Lisa Bennett | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-12-25T11:53:18-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 17" - 404" | 45" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 60°F - 89°F | 87°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 20°F - 51°F | 24°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow very well at your location without additional irrigation.
Summary
Plagianthus divaricatus, commonly known as Saltmarsh Ribbonwood, is a deciduous shrub native to coastal areas, estuaries, and salt marshes of New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands. It typically grows to a height of 7 feet (2.1 meters) and a width of 5 feet (1.5 meters), featuring an upright form with closely interwoven branches. The plant’s small, cream and yellow flowers bloom in the spring, summer, and fall, and while not particularly showy, they add a subtle charm to the shrub. Saltmarsh Ribbonwood is well adapted to its native windy coastal habitat, which contributes to its dense and divaricating growth habit.
Saltmarsh Ribbonwood is valued for its resilience to coastal conditions, including salt spray and wind, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens, coastal restoration projects, and as a windbreak. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water, preferring soils with slow to standing drainage. This species is also known for its ability to tolerate periodic flooding. In cultivation, it can be used as a specimen plant or integrated into mixed shrub borders. Gardeners should be aware that while it is generally low-maintenance, it may require pruning to maintain its shape and to prevent it from becoming too leggy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Saltmarsh Ribbonwood is valued for its resilience to coastal conditions, including salt spray and wind, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens, coastal restoration projects, and as a windbreak. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires high amounts of water, preferring soils with slow to standing drainage. This species is also known for its ability to tolerate periodic flooding. In cultivation, it can be used as a specimen plant or integrated into mixed shrub borders. Gardeners should be aware that while it is generally low-maintenance, it may require pruning to maintain its shape and to prevent it from becoming too leggy.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-6.5 feet
- Width: 2.5-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal areas, estuaries, and salt marshes of New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands
Other Names
Common Names: Makaka, Saltmarsh Ribbonwood, Coastal Ribbonwood, Marsh Ribbonwood
Scientific Names: Plagianthus divaricatus, Plagianthus cymosus, Napaea divaricata, Plagianthus linariifolia, Plagianthus linearifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Plagianthus divaricatus J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.