Garrya flavescens
(Ashy Silktassel)
Family - Garryaceae
Category - Shrub
Origin - California, USA
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Hardiness - H4
Height - 2.5m
Width - 2m
Location - The Woodland Walk
Description: A medium-sized Evergreen Shrub with an upright, bushy habit. Attractive silver to grey-green leaves are Elliptic to ovate in shape with pointed tips. Small, silvery-green flowers are held in pendent catkins and are produced from early to mid-spring. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants (Dioecious). The female flowers are held in shorter catkins and may be followed by round, purple berries.
The Genus Garrya is named for Nicholas Garry, a plant hunter who travelled with David Douglas.
Flower:
Dioecious. Small, silvery-green flowers are held in pendent, tassel-like catkins in March and April. The female flowers are held in shorter catkins and may be followed by round, blueish-purple berries.
Flower colour: Silvery green
Flower shape: Small flowers in catkins
Flowering time: March, April
Foliage:
Leathery, silver to grey-green leaves are Elliptic to ovate in shape and have pointed tips. The leaves are covered in fine, pale yellow, silky hairs. The leaves are held in opposite pairs on the branches.
Foliage Senescence: Evergreen
Foliage Shape: Elliptic to ovate
Propagation:
Cuttings, seed.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade in moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained.