Garrya elliptica
Coast Silktassel
Description
This evergreen shrub or small tree will reach 6-8' tall and wide. It has small, glossy, dark green, elliptical-shaped leaves. Flowers which look like silk tassels, appear in winter, first yellow-colored changing to green and then gray. Fruit look like grape clusters, first green-colored changing to purple, during summer but birds may eat them all! This shrub does best in full to part sun with well draining soil. This attractive plant can be used as a hedge. Prune to maintain size and shape after flowering period. Very attractive with the tassel-like flowers against the dark green foliage.
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Width Range
12-25'
Flower Color
Yellow, White
Flower Season
Winter
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Green, Purple
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Hedge, Screen
Attracts Wildlife
Birds
Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.