Garrya elliptica

Sunset

Garrya elliptica

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Zones 4-9, 14-24

Full, Partial

Moderate, Minimal

Coast Silktassel
Garryaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees

GARRYA

Grown mainly for their pendulous male and female catkins, which appear on separate plants; male catkins are longer, more slender, and more decorative than female ones. Both sexes must be present for female plants to produce their grapelike clusters of fruit.

Garrya elliptica

Native to Coast Ranges from southern Oregon to Southern California. Densely foliaged plant reaches 10–20 ft. high and as wide; can be trained as a small tree. Elliptical, wavy-edged leaves to 2 1/2 in. long are dark green above with gray and woolly undersides. Clustered flower tassels appear in winter. Male catkins are yellowish to greenish yellow, 3–8 in. long; female ones are pale green, rather stubby, 2–3 1/2 in. long. Clustered purplish fruits on female plants hang on all summer–even longer if not eaten by birds. Excellent foliage plant; use as screen, informal hedge, or specimen.