Family
Garryaceae
Botanical Name
Garrya elliptica
Plant Common Name
Wavyleaf Silktassel
General Description
Wavyleaf silktassel is an arresting sight in midwinter when it drapes itself with long, cascading, ghostly-gray flower clusters. This medium to large evergreen shrub is native to California and western Oregon.
Leathery, wavy-edged, oval leaves are paired along the upright to spreading branches of this rounded shrub. The leaves are glossy deep green above with downy gray undersides. In early winter, plants produce numerous drooping chains of gray-green flowers. Individual plants bear either long, tassel-like male flower clusters or shorter, plumper female clusters. Pollinated flowers of female plants develop into grayish purple, spherical fruits, which form grape-like bunches. Garry ellipitica is usually represented in gardens by male selections, which have showier inflorescences. Popular cultivars include 'James Roof' and 'Evie', both with especially long flower clusters.
This somewhat cold-tender shrub prefers full to partial sun and well-drained soil. It does well in oceanside and urban sites. Use it in mixed borders, hedges, and windbreaks.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
10 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 10
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Sunset Zone
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Broadleaf Evergreen
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
8'-20' / 2.4m - 6.1m
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Width
8'-20' / 2.4m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Western United States
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Ivory, Gray, Silver
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Fruit Color
Purple, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Gray
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No
