1. Canyon Silktassel – Garrya veatchii
(GARE-ee-uh VEECH-ee-eye)
Family: Garryaceae (Sillktassel Family)
Southwestern CA from San Luis Obispo Co. to N. Baja; dry slopes in chaparral, oak
woodlands below 6000 ft. elevation in Santa Monica and San Gabriel mountains.
Native to:
Growth characteristics: evergreen woody shrub/tree mature height:8-15 ft. mature width: 6-8 ft.
Large evergreen shrub or small tree, often with several trunks. Foliage can be dense or more open,
depending in part on available water. Leaves elliptical, white beneath, held upright on branches
(reminiscent of Manzanita). Leaf edges may be flat, wavy, slightly rolled. Tidy-looking, liveoak-like.
Blooms spring – usually Feb-Apr. in our area. Species is dioecious (separate male
& female plants). In both sexes small flowers in showy, hanging catkins (the ‘silk tassels’). Male
plants have slightly longer catkins. Berries on female plants become dry, purple-brown at maturity.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Long history of use as garden ornamental. Often used as a hedge/screen or
large foundation plant. Looks equally nice trained as a specimen tree for patio or garden.
along walls or fences. Adds a woodsy or Mediterranean feel to the garden.
Great
Sensible substitute for: Non-native evergreen shrubs of comparable size.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover & nesting sites. Female plants provide seeds.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to light shade.
Most local textures and pH; clays fine unless very poorly drained.
Very low needs once established (Zone 1-2 to 2); don’t overwater.
None
Prune (if needed) in spring after flowering; don’t cut old wood. Can be hedged.
Deer will browse. Choose young plants and plant in final position as resents root disturbance.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: cold-treatment; plant in winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 13
by cuttings: tip cuttings summer/fall
2/16/11
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