ExplorePlants

Coast silk tassel

Garrya elliptica

The Coast silk tassel is a lovely shrub with long, silky tassels that hang from its branches. It grows in coastal areas and can be a beautiful addition to gardens, attracting birds and butterflies.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Coast silk tassel has leathery, wavy-edged dark green leaves that are evergreen. It is most striking when its long, silvery-green male catkins hang like elegant tassels, giving it a unique, ribbon-like appearance.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGarryalesFamilyGarryaceaeGenusGarrya
Coast silk tassel
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Coast silk tassel

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

It can live for many decades, becoming a wise old shrub!

Its scientific name, Garrya, honors botanist Nicholas Garry!

Male plants have much longer, showier "tassels" than females!

This plant is like a natural air conditioner for sunny slopes!

Special abilities

Ability

Evergreen Power

Coast silk tassel has leathery, evergreen leaves that help it make food all year, even in winter.

Ability

Pollen Power

Its long, hanging catkins release tiny pollen grains into the wind, helping it reproduce without insects.

Ability

Coastal Shield

It has thick, wavy leaves that help it survive strong winds and salty air found near the ocean.

Measurements & details

Height
300-600 cm
Spread
300-600 cm
Flower Size
10-30 cm
Bloom Season
Late winter to early spring
Edible
No
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Coast silk tassel?

300-600 cm

How wide does Coast silk tassel spread?

300-600 cm

How big are the flowers on Coast silk tassel?

10-30 cm

When does Coast silk tassel bloom?

Late winter to early spring

Is Coast silk tassel edible?

No

Is Coast silk tassel toxic?

None

What is Coast silk tassel's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Coast silk tassel pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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