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Fremontodendron californicum (California flannelbush)
Hardie-Scott, Linda

Fremontodendron californicum (Torr.) Coville

California flannelbush, Northern flannelbush, Northern fremontia, California slippery elm

Sterculiaceae (Cacao Family)

Synonyms: Fremontia californica

USDA Symbol: FRCA6

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

California flannelbush is an open, spreading shrub, to 12 ft., with olive-green, felted leaves. The large, yellow flowers are in great showy masses and tend to bloom one at a time.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA
Native Distribution: Most of CA, c. AZ & Baja CA
Native Habitat: Dry, granitic, north slopes; 3000 to 6000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Soil Description: Dry, well-drained, granitic soils.
Conditions Comments: Drought-tolerant. Fast-growing to 5 ft. Not for deer areas.

Benefit

Use Other: Wood used for spears and cordage by Native Americans.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Description: Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
Seed Collection: Collect when the capsules begin to split.
Seed Treatment: Seeds require scarification in hot water followed by cold-moist stratification at 35 degrees for 12-16 weeks to obtain germination.
Commercially Avail: yes
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PlantWise: Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants

Fremontodendron californicum (California flannelbush) is a PlantWise native alternative for:

   Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom)

Find Seed or Plants

Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
Tending the Wild: Native American Knowledge and the Management of California's Natural Resources (2006) Anderson, M. Kat

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Fremontodendron californicum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Fremontodendron californicum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Fremontodendron californicum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-02-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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