Philadelphus sp.
Mock orange, Mock Orange
Family: Hydrangeaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Philadelphus sp. (Mock orange) is a native California shrub in the Hydrangeaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Rosa: Philadelphus has simple opposite leaves; roses have alternate compound leaves with leaflets.; vs Carpenteria: Philadelphus has deciduous three-veined leaves; Carpenteria has evergreen leathery leaves with one vein.; vs Cornus: Philadelphus leaves have three veins from the base; dogwoods have pinnate veins arching toward the tip.; vs Pittosporum: Philadelphus has opposite leaves and multiple styles; Pittosporum has alternate leaves and one style.; vs Rhododendron: Philadelphus has thin deciduous leaves; rhododendrons have thick evergreen leaves and bell-shaped flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphus sp. native to California?
Yes. Philadelphus sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Philadelphus sp. belong to?
Philadelphus sp. is in the Hydrangeaceae family, genus Philadelphus.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.