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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Garrya elliptica

Coast Silk Tassel

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Low to average

Bloom time

Late winter to early spring

Find this plant

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.