Great Design Plant: Coast Silktassel for Winter Blooms

Among coastal shrubs of California and Oregon, the pendulous catkins of coast silktassel (Garrya elliptica) are a winter prize. While most plants sleep, this shrub blooms with cascading floral tassels.

Discovered by botanist David Douglas, it's been popular in California gardens since the mid-19th century. A California native thriving on the Pacific Coast, it earned Britain's RHS Award of Garden Merit.

Debra Prinzing

Plant Profile

• Botanical name: Garrya elliptica
• Common names: Coast silktassel, silk tassel bush, quinine bush, wavyleaf silktassel
• Origin: Coastal ranges of California and southern Oregon
• USDA zone: 8; hardy to 10°F
• Water: Moderate to light
• Light: Full sun to light shade in hot climates
• Mature size: 10-20 feet tall and wide
• Benefits: Drought tolerant; deer/rabbit resistant; fruit attracts birds; flowers attract bees; tolerates urban/coastal conditions
• Seasonal interest: Evergreen; winter flowers
• When to plant: Late spring/early summer after last frost; dislikes root disturbance

Distinguishing Traits

Leathery green foliage recedes to background most of the year. Showy winter catkins set it apart—particularly when neighbors are dormant.

Peter L Edwards

From early winter through early spring, pendulous male catkins hang up to 12 inches below branches, drawing bees. Dioecious—male and female flowers on different plants. Female berries require a male pollinator. Male shrubs produce showy inflorescence regardless.

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Dense, upright shrub; branches trainable as a tree. Popular cultivars: 'James Roof' (longer catkins) and compact 'Evie'.

Janet Ulliott

How to Use It

Showy winter bloomer but inconspicuous otherwise. Dense foliage makes great windbreak or wall mask. Excellent in coastal woodland gardens.

ESEartstudio

Planting Notes

Prefers mild coastal temperatures but cold hardy to 10°F. Tolerates fog, coastal sun, wind, rain, and drought. Water well when young to establish deep roots—long-lived plant. Medium soil with good drainage; too rich reduces flowering. Prune branch tips after flowering for clean form.