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Garrya elliptica Dougl. ex Lindl.
Wavyleaf silktassel, Wavy-leaf silktassel, Silk-tassel bush, Coastal silktassel
Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
USDA Symbol: gael
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Wavy-leaf silktassel is a 10 ft. evergreen shrub with dense, dark, gray-green foliage. Clusters of foot-long, light-green catkins with a silvery sheen, contrast with the foliage in winter. Evergreen shrub or small tree with tassel-like clusters of flowers and fruit and paired, leathery, wavy-edged leaves. Foliage and other parts have bitter taste. These showy catkins occur only on male plants. Female plants produce less attractive catkins, but bear small, purple fruits. Leaves have a conspicuous wavy margin.
This is the only native species of Garrya reaching tree size. This distinct genus of shrubs and small trees is often placed separately in the Silktassel Family (Garryaceae). Although various parts have a bitter taste, as the name Quininebush suggests, goats browse the foliage.
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Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Dec
Bloom Notes: Male and female catkins on separate plants, creamy color.
Distribution
USA: CA , ORNative Distribution: In CA, Coast Ranges from Ventura Co. n. to Lincoln Co., OR
Native Habitat: Dry slopes and ridges below 2000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part ShadeSoil Description: Well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This plant must be given afternoon shade in hot, dry sites. Hot winds will scorch the leaves. G. flavescens and G. fremontii are similar, less showy in bloom, but more tolerant of heat and drought. Some authors segregate member of the Garrya genus into a separate family, the Garryaceae.
Propagation
Description: Increase by cuttings in cool weather or by seed.Seed Collection: Seeds can be collected in fall.
Seed Treatment: Clean from the purple pulp and cool stratify for 30-120 days.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
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 pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Garrya elliptica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Garrya elliptica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Garrya elliptica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2009-04-08Research By: TWC Staff
