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Fremontodendron californicum

Image of Fremontodendron californicum

John Rickard

Family

Sterculiaceae

Botanical Name

Fremontodendron californicum

Plant Common Name

California Flannelbush

General Description

Golden yellow flowers and felted evergreen leaves make this California native shrub a winner for water-conservation landscapes. Fast-growing and resilient in arid landscapes, it naturally grows in desert scrub, chaparral and open pine forests. Mature plants develop an irregular, open crown and short trunk.

The thick, lobed leaves of flannelbush are rich green to gray-green and fully evergreen. When growing conditions are wetter the leaves grow larger, while arid conditions cause smaller foliage. Leaves may remain on the plant for as long as two years. Solitary yellow flowers are produced in abundance from winter to spring. Bees and other insect pollinators visit the blooms and hairy capsule fruits filled with seeds follow. The bark is fissured and may emit gooey sap when cut.

This true desert shrub thrives in bright sunlight but should be placed in a location where it gets dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. It grows well in sharply drained soils, including clay, with average to poor fertility. Hillside planting is a successful strategy. Refrain from watering it midday; cold water on hot roots will cause distress and can even kill a plant. Deer and livestock browse the leaves and stems of flannelbush. The leaf hairs of this shrub and easily brushed off and may irritate the skin or eyes, so handle with caution. This is a beautiful, low-maintenance shrub for informal, wild borders where irrigation isn't available. It isn't especially long-lived, however.

Several named subspecies of Fremontodendron californicum used to exist. Not all of them have been subsumed under the main species by all taxonomists.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 7

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 10

  • Sunset Zone

    4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    3'-12' / 0.9m - 3.7m

  • Width

    4'-12' / 1.2m - 3.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Winter, Late Winter

  • Native To

    Southwestern United States, California

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Drought

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Yellow

  • Fruit Color

    Gray Green, Tan

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Gray Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Gray Green, Dark Green, Gray

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Gray Green, Dark Green, Gray

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Gray Green, Dark Green, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes