No images found for this plant ID: 19674.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "19674" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
silktassel
Scientific Name: Garrya
Family: Garryaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Garrya elliptica: The Elegant Silk Tassel Bush
Garrya elliptica, commonly known as the Coast Silk Tassel or simply Silk Tassel, is a striking evergreen shrub prized for its distinctive catkins that appear in winter and early spring.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant has leathery leaves.
Considerations for Children
- The plant has leathery leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Garrya elliptica
- Family: Garryaceae (Silk Tassel Family)
- Other species within the Garrya genus mentioned include: Garrya congdonii (Congdon Silk-tassel), Garrya ovata subsp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer silktassel), Garrya veatchii (canyon silktassel), Garrya flavescens.
- Synonyms or related names mentioned: Lindheimer's silktassel, Lindheimer Garrya, Mexican silktassel, Mexican Garrya, Eggleaf silktassel.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the coastal counties of California, from Ventura, and Oregon.
- The genus Garrya consists of 14 New World species ranging from the Pacific Northwest to Panama.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen shrub or small tree.
- Grows to approximately 4 meters (13 feet) in height and width.
- Has evergreen, usually leathery leaves that are opposite.
- Forms an evergreen shrub to small tree with yellowish male catkins 10 inches long in early spring.
- Male forms have long, elegant tassels; female plants have much smaller catkins.
- Some varieties, like Garrya elliptica 'Evie', are densely growing evergreen shrubs or small trees with elliptically shaped leaves.
Common Names
- Silktassel
- Bear Brush
- Quinine Bush
- Fever Bush
- Coast Silktassel
Ecological Role
- Among the coastal shrubs and wild chaparral that call the mountainous coast of California and Oregon home.
Quirky Facts
- The plant's common names, Quinine Bush and Fever Bush, suggest potential historical uses, though the provided text does not elaborate.
Cultivation
- Suited for growing against walls or fences.
- Requires pruning.
- Prefers full sun or partial shade.
- Grows best in moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
- Hardy to zone (UK) 8.
- Flowering period is typically from November to February.
- October is the best season for planting in California.
Uses
- Ornamental shrub.
- The Fresh, whole summer leaf, has Antispasmodic properties/energetics.
Related Species
- Congdon Silk-tassel (Garrya congdonii) is closely related and has the same leaf appearance.
Resources
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
- Dave's Garden.