Common
Mock-Orange
Philadelphus inodorus
Family Saxifragaceae

Characteristics:
* Leaves egg-shaped, long-pointed, hairless or nearly so, sometimes toothed, 2-4".
* Veins parallel leaf edges.
* Flowers white, located at twig ends, 2" wide.
* Twigs hairless, bark of branchlets papery.
* Height: To 10'.

Natural History:
* Flowers May - June.
* Habitat: Streambanks, thickets.
* Range: Southeastern United States, spreads north from cultivation.
* Native, also planted in temperate climates.

Connections!
* Scenting water with petals of mock orange flowers seems to be an international idea. Ancient Parthians did it, and so did dwellers a millenium later in precolonial Mexico.