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Cox, Paul

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 (1837-1852), Cuba and his native Connecticut.

From the Image Gallery

1 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 12 feet tall, often much shorter.
Leaf: Green

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native 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: Low
Light 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.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-04-04
Research By: TWC Staff

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