Description Garrya elliptica, commonly known as the coast silk tassel shrub, is a dioecious, evergreen shrub prized for its intriguing long, gray-green catkins and leathery and wavy, dark green, egg-shaped leaves that are covered in felted white hairs underneath. Flowers appear in winter with male and female catkins on separate plants. The showy long, drooping clusters of greenish-white male flowers reach 6 to 12 inches long. The female plants produce less attractive catkins but bear shorter clusters of purple-brown fruits if paired with a male. A west coast native from Oregon to southern California. Appreciates well-drained moist soil and tolerates coastal conditions. Protect from hot, dry locations. Drought tolerant once established. A lovely compact growth habit of 8 to 12 feet tall and wide will fit in many gardens as a specimen shrub, screen and informal hedge with great winter interest when few other plants are performing in the garden along with bragging rights. Fruits are a food source for overwintering birds. Deer resistant.
