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Garrya wrightii
Garrya wrightii Torr.
Wright's Silktassel
Garryaceae (Silk Tassel Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: GAWR3
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Wright’s silktassel or Wright’s catclaw is usually a small, compact shrub seldom over 6 1/2 ft. tall. Occasionally the plant reaches 12 ft. and become somewhat tree-like. Opposite, short-petioled, round leaves are leathery and evergreen. Catkin-like flowers are followed by purplish-blue, pea-sized fruit.
Some authors segregate members of the Garrya genus into a separate family, the Garryaceae.
The species name of this plant is for Charles Wright, 1811-1885, world-wide botanical collector but mainly in Texas (1837-1952), Cuba and his native Connecticut.
From the Image Gallery
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Size Notes: Up to about 12 feet tall, often much shorter.
Leaf: Green
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , NM , TXNative Distribution: W. TX to s. AZ south to Puebla in central Mexico
Native Habitat: Rocky slopes; cliff crevices; 5000 to 8000 ft.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Limestone or igneous rock.
Conditions Comments: Some authors segregate member of the Garrya genus into a separate family, the Garryaceae. This species is good as dwarf, evergreen specimen for a rocky slope or for use in erosion control. Slow-growing.
Propagation
Description: Propagate by seed, layers, or cuttings of half-ripened wood.Commercially Avail: yes
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
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Additional resources
USDA: Find Garrya wrightii in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Garrya wrightii in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Garrya wrightii
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-05Research By: TWC Staff