Coast Silk-tassel Garrya elliptica

Silk tassel bush is a flowering evergreen shrub in the silktassel (Garryaceae) family that is known for its showy cascading flowers.  It is native to the coastal ranges in California and Oregon and is found growing on slopes below 2000 feet. The plant will grow 6-8 feet as a shrub and up to 20 feet if grown as a tree. It is multibranched and as a shrub has a spherical form. 

Separate male and female plants occur. The male plants have long dangling showy catkins up to 12 inches long. The showy dried bracts stay on the plant through summer. The female catkins are shorter-about 2-3 inches long and both bloom late winter to early spring. If both plants are present the female will produce grape-like clusters of fruit that are attractive to birds. The leaves are shiny and leathery with wooly hairs on the undersides.

This shrub can be used as a hedge or screen and is often seen growing against walls. Provide this plant with some protection from hot afternoon winds to prevent leaf scorch. It isn't too picky about soil as long as it is well-drained. It prefers moderately moist soil but will tolerate drought once established and is resistant to deer.

This shrub will not do well in the hot humid southeast.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems but watch for leaf spot.