Silk Tassel
garrya elliptica
Also known as: ["Coast Silk Tassel","Western Silk Tassel"]
Overview
An evergreen shrub native to the Pacific coast of North America, known for its elegant, drooping catkins and leathery leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Garryales |
| Family: | Garryaceae |
| Genus: | Garrya |
| Botanical Name: | Garrya elliptica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: coastal gardens or sheltered outdoor spots
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or bright indirect light per day. Tolerates coastal fog and partial shade.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to avoid scorching; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; suitable for coastal or shaded garden spots.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide afternoon shade in hot regions; coastal plants thrive with fog exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering, especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with some organic matter
pH: Acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend heavy soils; maintain organic content.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 7–9; tolerates mild frosts; prefers cool summers and mild winters.
Protect from hard freezes; provide shade in hot summers; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid over-fertilizing; apply before new growth emerges.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer; layering in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%); warm temperatures (65–75°F); partial shade.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix; or sandy loam with organic matter.
Hormone
Rooting hormone recommended for cuttings.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 1–2 growing seasons.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, misting spray bottle, propagation tray.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent stock; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts; selective heading back; avoid shearing.
Pruning Plan
Shape plant; remove dead or crossing branches; encourage air circulation; maintain size.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune deadwood; shape gently; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Use fresh soil; check root health; water after repotting; place in shade for recovery.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water until it drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold; stunted growth in temperature extremes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or turn brown; growth slows; young plants may suffer dieback in hard freezes.
Solution: Mulch heavily in winter; protect from harsh winds; cover with frost cloth during hard freezes.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced flowering in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding; follow package instructions.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicGarrya elliptica is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would harm felines if ingested or touched.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicGarrya elliptica is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases or studies indicating that this plant poses a risk to canine health upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Humans
Non-toxicGarrya elliptica, commonly known as the coast silktassel, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant has no known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion or contact.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally not toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I prune Garrya elliptica?
A: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Does Garrya elliptica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its nectar-rich flowers.
Q: Is Garrya elliptica drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, it is moderately drought-tolerant once established, though it benefits from occasional watering.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Garryaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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