Family: Garryaceae
Author: Douglas ex Lindl.
Bibliography: Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 20: t. 1686 (1834)
Year: 1834
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Garrya
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Oregon to W. California
Description
The Silk-tassel, scientifically known as Garrya elliptica, is an intriguing and visually striking plant belonging to the Garryaceae family. Renowned for its ornamental appeal, it is native to the coastal regions of Western Oregon and Western California. This evergreen shrub captures the essence of elegance and subtle beauty with its notable tassel-like catkins that dangle gracefully from its branches.
Garrya elliptica was first described in notable botanical literature in 1834 by the botanist David Douglas and subsequently by the esteemed botanist John Lindley. As recorded in Edwards’s Botanical Register (volume 20, plate 1686), its discovery and cataloging marked a significant contribution to the understanding and appreciation of North American flora.
One of the most distinct features of the Silk-tassel is its long, pendulous catkins, which can be male or female, reflecting the plant’s dioecious nature. These striking catkins appear in late winter to early spring, providing an early burst of visual interest in the garden when few other plants are in bloom. Male catkins are particularly showy, extending up to several inches long and presenting a silvery-gray to creamy white coloration, which elegantly contrasts with the dark green, leathery leaves.
Garrya elliptica thrives in well-drained soils and is often found growing naturally on rocky slopes and coastal scrub. It appreciates full sun to partial shade and is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a suitable choice for low-water landscapes. Its hardiness and adaptability further enhance its appeal as an ornamental plant for gardens and landscaping projects.
Apart from its aesthetic value, the Silk-tassel is also notable for its resilience. It can withstand coastal winds and salty air, making it an ideal choice for coastal plantings. Moreover, its dense foliage can provide shelter and food for various wildlife, contributing to local biodiversity.
In summary, Garrya elliptica, or the Silk-tassel, is a charming and hardy evergreen shrub with a rich botanical history. Its graceful catkins and robust nature make it a standout choice for gardens, particularly in areas that mimic its native habitat along the western coast of the United States.
Common Names
Eng: silk-tassel, silk-tassel-tree, wavyleaf silktassel
En: Silk-tassel, Silk-tassel-tree, Wavyleaf silktassel, Coast Silk Tassel
Ar: شرابة الحرير الإهليلجية
Synonyms
- Garrya lindleyana (A.Murray bis)
Distribution
- California (native)
- Oregon (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Christine Yee (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by geneve perma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2015 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 2, 2015 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 4, 2022 by Océane Desbordes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 12, 2020 by Collégiale La (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Lesley Rowley (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by geneve perma (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 7, 2015 by EOL − dshell (cc-by-nc)
Taken May 29, 2014 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Kath Delaney (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 4, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2022 by geneve perma (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 20, 2020 by yuriko yano (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 16, 2022 by Philip Huckle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 5, 2020 by rearle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2021 by Steve Nightingale (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2020 by Dominique Couderc (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 9, 2022 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 16, 2021 by Denis Alkan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2022 by Nica Pap (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 17, 2022 by Garbeana María (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jan 13, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2022 by Leny Mercier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 9, 2016 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033013)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271782-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Garrya elliptica Douglas ex Lindl.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Shrub, Tree
