Plant Profile: Garrya elliptica

The silk tassel bush, a flowering evergreen shrub belonging to the Garryaceae family, is celebrated for its striking, cascading blooms. This plant is indigenous to the coastal ranges of California and Oregon, yet its tidy and attractive growth pattern makes it a favored choice for landscaping. It is often utilized as a hedge and exhibits a moderate to rapid growth rate. While the flowers typically blossom in January and February, the dried leaves persist on the shrub well into summer, providing light gray accents. The bark is initially smooth and dark, taking on a rougher texture as it matures. The new twigs are green and moderately thick. A notable horticultural variety is 'James Roof,' recognized for its particularly long tassels. It is advisable to prune the plant right after it flowers, and it is also resistant to deer damage.

**Seasons of Interest:**
- **Bloom:** Winter-Spring, February-May
- **Foliage:** Summer
- **Bark:** Winter