Coast silktassel is a woody shrub or small tree native to coastal areas from Ventura County, California to Oregon. It has leathery, dark green leaves with wavy edges and produces many small, white flowers on long drooping stems in winter or early spring. Coast silktassel grows well in full sun to full shade and most soil types, making it a versatile and showy landscape plant that provides habitat for birds.

1. * Coast Silktassel – Garrya elliptica (GARE-ree-uh ee-LIP-tih-kuh)
Family: Garryaceae (Garrya Family)
Native to: Ventura Co. N. to OR; sea cliffs, sand dunes, dry slopes and ridges to 2000', mostly in
chaparral or foothill-pine woodland.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/small tree mature height: 8-15 ft. mature width: 5-10 ft.
Dense, evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery, dark green leaves. Leaves have wavy edges.
Bark is dark. Moderate growth speed.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in winter or early spring (Jan.-Mar.). Plants are dioecious (separate male &
female plants) and male plants have showier flowers. Many small, white flowers on long drooping
flowering stems – truly a spectacular show at a time when not much is blooming!
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a showy specimen plant – truly a show-stopper. Nice as an
informal or formal (clipped) hedge, screen or included in a hedgerow. Can even be espaliered along
a wall or fence. Nice also in coastal shrub border; not as good in hot inland gardens. Foliage perfect
for background plant. Cultivar ‘Evie’ is more compact; ‘James Roof’ is a dependable bloomer in
coastal gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs & small trees.
Attracts: Provides cover & nesting sites for birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (cooler gardens) to full shade; very adaptable
Soil Most soil types including all but heavy clays; pH: any local (6.0-8.0)
Water Best with occasional summer water (Zone 2), although establish plants drought tol.
Fertilizer Quite adaptable; none needed but will take light fertilizer.
Other Avoid sites with either cold winds or hot-dry winds.
Management: Prune to thin, shape right after blooming. May be severely pruned to rejuvenate.
Propagation: from seed: cold treatment; may be slow by cuttings: hardwood, semi-softwood
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20, 24 2/16/11
© Project SOUND