Lytle, Melody
Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Torr.) Dahling
Lindheimer's silktassel, Lindheimer Silk Tassel, Lindheimer's Garrya
Garryaceae (Silktassel Family)
Evergreen shrub or small tree. Frequent on limestone ledges and rocky slopes of canyons and ravines. Twigs with leaf scars that go completely around them and gray streaks (lenticels) running lengthwise in the reddish brown bark. Leaves
opposite, petioled;
blade leathery, variable in shape, roughly
elliptic, up to 2 1/2 inches long, with a very small, abrupt tip and smooth margins, smooth on the upper surface, velvety on the lower. Flowers about 3/16 inch wide, in
simple pendulous clusters from the bases of the leaf petioles, opening in March and April.
Fruit fleshy, round, with a short tip, blue with a white coating easily rubbed off, about 3/8 inch in diameter.
This subspecies is named after Ferdinand Jacob Lindheimer (1801-1879) who is often called the Father of Texas Botany because of his work as the first permanent-resident plant collector in Texas. In 1834 Lindheimer immigrated to the United States as a political refugee. He spent from 1843-1852 collecting specimens in Texas. In 1844 he settled in New Braunfels, Texas, and was granted land on the banks of the Comal River, where he continued his plant collecting and attempted to establish a botanical garden. He shared his findings with many others who shared his interest in botany, including Ferdinand von Roemer and Adolph Scheele. Lindheimer is credited with the discovery of several hundred plant species. In addition his name is used to designate forty-eight species and subspecies of plants. He is buried in New Braunfels. His house, on Comal Street in New Braunfels, is now a museum.
Image Gallery:
18 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Leaf Retention: Evergreen Size Notes: 6-12 feet
Fruit: Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: TX
Native Habitat: Grows in rocky limestone hills and canyons in the Edwards Plateau . Seen as an understory plant, occurs at the edge of wooded areas.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
Conditions Comments: This
evergreen shrubby
tree has interesting leaves with wavy edges and blue-black berries. Is often found growing in the understory or woodland edge. Can be temperamental and typically grows in limestone of the Glen Rose formation in the Texas Hill Country.
Benefit
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Last Update: 2008-10-29
