Contents
Description
Garrya Elliptica is an evergreen shrub that belongs to the Garryaceae family. It is also known by the common names of wavyleaf silktassel, coast silktassel, and silk tassel bush. It is native to California and Oregon in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The plant blooms in winter and early spring, producing long, drooping catkins that are covered in small, silky flowers. The fruit is a small berry that is dark purple in color and is not edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Garryales |
| Family | Garryaceae |
| Genus | Garrya |
Appearance
The leaves of Garrya Elliptica are dark green, glossy, and elliptical in shape. They are wavy and can grow up to 6 inches long. The bark of the plant is smooth and gray. The flowers are long, drooping catkins that can grow up to 12 inches long. They are covered in small, silky flowers that are either green or yellow in color. The fruit is a small, dark purple berry that is less than ½ inch in diameter. The plant has an overall elegant and graceful appearance.
Care Guide
Garrya Elliptica is a low maintenance plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. However, it is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization. However, it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as well.
- Hardiness Zones: Garrya Elliptica is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Garrya Elliptica is generally free of pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be susceptible to scale insects and powdery mildew. Scale insects can be controlled with insecticidal soap, while powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant.
Habitat
Garrya Elliptica is native to the coastal areas of California and Oregon in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. The plant is well adapted to the Mediterranean climate of these regions, which is characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Garrya Elliptica deer resistant?
A: Yes, Garrya Elliptica is considered deer resistant.
Q: Can Garrya Elliptica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Garrya Elliptica can be grown in containers, but it may not grow as large as it would in the ground.
Q: How often should Garrya Elliptica be pruned?
A: Garrya Elliptica does not require frequent pruning. However, it can be pruned to control its size or shape after it blooms.
Q: Does Garrya Elliptica attract bees?
A: Yes, Garrya Elliptica is a good plant to attract bees.
Related Plants
- Garrya Veatchii
- Garrya Fremontii
- Garrya Flavescens
- Garrya Wrightii
References
- “Garrya Elliptica.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b607.
- “Garrya Elliptica.” San Francisco Botanical Garden. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/garden/bloom_06_02.html.
- “Silktassel (Garrya).” University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. Accessed September 15, 2021. https://ucanr.edu/sites/gardenweb/landscape/Plant_of_the_Month/Silktassel_Garrya/.
