Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Garrya elliptica
Coast Silk Tassel
- Family
- Garryaceae
- Height
- 8 to 15 feet
- Width
- 8 to 12 feet
- Flower color
- Silvery gray to pale green drooping catkins on male plants with shorter catkins on female plants
- Foliage color
- Leathery dark green oval leaves with pale gray felted undersides
- Bloom time
- Late winter to early spring
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Low to average
- Maintenance
- Low; prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape; remove dead branches
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Bees and other pollinating insects and birds that feed on berries
About this plant
Garrya elliptica produces long, silvery gray catkins in mid to late winter, the tassel-like flowers dangling gracefully from the branches and swaying in cool breezes. The blooms appear before the growing season begins and remain decorative for several weeks. Thick, oval leaves with softly textured surfaces cover the stems, displaying deep green upper surfaces and pale, felted undersides that give the foliage a muted tone throughout the year.
Native to coastal regions of California and southern Oregon, Garrya elliptica grows naturally along bluffs and forest edges. In gardens it provides evergreen structure for borders, coastal landscapes, and sheltered plantings where the winter catkins add seasonal interest.
Works well in
Sun Gardens · Coastal Gardens · Native Gardens · Winter Interest
Companion plants
Thyme · English lavender · Dianthus · Blue oat grass · Euphorbias · Globe thistle
Design tip
The long, dangling catkins are most effective where their movement can be appreciated. Give Coast Silk Tassel enough open space around its branches, allowing winter breezes to animate the tassels rather than crowding them among neighboring shrubs.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
