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wavyleaf silktassel

Scientific Name: Garrya elliptica

Family: Garryaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Wavyleaf Silktassel (Garrya elliptica)

Garrya elliptica, commonly known as Wavyleaf Silktassel, Coast Silk-tassel, Silk Tassel Bush, or Quinine Bush, is an evergreen shrub admired for its unique foliage and distinctive catkins.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant has woolly hairs on the underside of the leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Garrya elliptica Douglas ex Lindl.
  • Family: Garryaceae (sometimes placed separately in the Silktassel Family)
  • Common Names: Wavyleaf Silktassel, Wavy-leaf Silktassel, Silk-tassel bush, Coastal silktassel, Coast silk tassel, Quinine bush.
  • Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but Garrya congdonii (Congdon silk-tassel) is noted as closely related for identification purposes.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the coastal ranges of California and Oregon in the United States.
  • Found along the west coast of the United States.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Evergreen shrub, typically growing to 4 meters (13 feet) in height and width at a medium rate.
  • Distinctive waxy, convex leaves with wavy margins.
  • Thick leathery leaves that are shiny above and woolly below.
  • Valued for its long male catkins, which are decorative during winter.
  • Plant habit includes flowering.

Ecological Role

  • Susceptible to certain diseases, and can be affected by California wildlands issues.

Cultivation

  • Suitable for light (sandy), medium (loamy), and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Tolerates full shade (deep woodland) to semi-shade conditions.

Quirky Facts

  • One Wavyleaf Silktassel in Oregon was recognized as the largest known tree of its species and included on the list of American Forests Champion Trees in 2013.
  • The plant is sometimes associated with homeopathic remedies.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden
  • West Coast Native Tree ID - A hypertext key for identifying trees native to the west coast of the United States.
  • CalPhotos
  • USDA Hardiness Zones (Interactive Native Range Distribution Map)
  • Fullerton Arboretum (Google Maps and Google Earth)