[2] Holodiscus dumosus is a deciduous spreading shrub, which grows from .5–6 meters (1+1⁄2–19+1⁄2 feet) in height and 1.5–3 m (5–10 ft) in width.

[5] The inflorescence is a feathery panicle of small, pinkish-white to cream colored flowers, each about 2 millimeters long.

In Nevada it is a component of quaking aspen and willow communities and sagebrush of the Great Basin region.

It is drought-tolerant and survives in dry habitat, but it thrives in more moist locations, and can be found in wetter environments than its relative, Holodiscus discolor (creambush oceanspray).

It can be found in cool, moist mountain forests in the central part of its range.

[4] Native American peoples such as the Paiute and Shoshoni utilized this as a traditional medicinal plant for ailments such as stomachaches and colds.