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Red shank

Adenostoma sparsifolium

Last reviewed: August 2026

Red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium)
Photo: (c) Bri Weldon, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

96"–240" H × 72"–144" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

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Large evergreen shrub or small tree with distinctive shredding reddish bark and fine, needle-like foliage. Produces small white flower clusters in late summer on dry, exposed slopes.

Wildlife value

Late-season flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles when few other shrubs are blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Red shank need?
Red shank grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Red shank bloom?
Red shank blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Red shank native?
Red shank (Adenostoma sparsifolium) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Red shank attract?
Red shank draws bees and beetles.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Red shank? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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