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Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Lyonothamnus floribundus

Lyonothamnus floribundus A. Gray

Catalina Ironwood, Lyontree

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: lyfl2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Evergreen shrub with several crooked stems or occasionally a small tree with straight trunk.

Lyontree occurs in two forms; the tree with mostly simple leaves is confined to Santa Catalina Island; the shrub (or sometimes tree) with pinnately compound leaves is found on the other islands. Both are grown as ornamentals in California. Indians made the tough wood, known locally as "Ironwood," into spear handles and shafts, and European settlers used it for making fishing poles and canes.

It is placed alone in a distinct genus. The genus name, meaning "Lyon's shrub," honors the discoverer, William Scrugham Lyon (1852-1916), a U.S. horticulturist and forester.