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Overview
Garrya elliptica is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree in the Garryaceae family, growing 8–15 feet (2.4–4.5 m) tall and 8–12 feet (2.4–3.6 m) wide with a dense, rounded to irregular crown. Leaves are opposite, elliptic, 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) long, leathery, with wavy margins — dark grey-green above and woolly grey-white beneath. The species is dioecious: male plants produce pendulous grey-green catkins 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long from December through February; female plants produce shorter catkins 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) followed by clusters of small, round, purple-grey berries coated in a silky pubescence. Male selections such as 'James Roof' are planted more frequently for the longer catkins. The species is native to the coastal ranges of Oregon and California, from Coos County south to San Luis Obispo County, growing on dry, exposed slopes and bluffs. In the Pacific Northwest, it is marginally hardy in the coldest inland areas — foliage damage occurs below 10°F (-12°C) and dieback below 0°F (-18°C). Susceptible to root rot in heavy, poorly drained clay. Growth rate is moderate, 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) per year.
Native Range
Garrya elliptica is native to the coastal ranges of southwestern Oregon (from Coos County south) and California, growing on dry, rocky slopes and bluffs from near sea level to approximately 2,000 feet (600 m) elevation. It occurs in chaparral, coastal scrub, and mixed evergreen forest margins.Suggested Uses
Planted as an evergreen screen or hedge, spaced 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m) apart. Effective as a wall-trained shrub on north- or east-facing walls where the pendulous catkins are displayed against the structure. Tolerates coastal wind and salt spray. Used in native plant gardens and habitat restoration on dry, well-drained Pacific Northwest sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8' - 15'
Width/Spread8' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 8 years
Bloom Information
Male catkins elongate from late December through February, reaching 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) on vigorous specimens. Female catkins are shorter, 2–4 inches (5–10 cm). Catkins are wind-pollinated. Berry clusters develop on female plants from March through June, ripening to purple-grey by late summer. The cultivar 'James Roof' produces catkins up to 14 inches (35 cm) long.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Grey-green catkins (male); shorter grey-green catkins (female)Foliage Description
Dark grey-green above, woolly white beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 5.5–7.0. Avoid heavy clay — amend with coarse gravel and compost to ensure sharp drainage. Space 8–10 feet (2.4–3 m) apart for screening. Water regularly during the first two summers; once established, G. elliptica is drought-tolerant and resents summer irrigation in heavy soils. Shelter from cold, drying winter winds in exposed inland sites. No regular fertilisation is needed on reasonably fertile soil. Mulch with 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) of bark or gravel, keeping mulch away from the trunk base.Pruning
Prune immediately after catkins fade in late February or early March. Remove crossing, dead, or damaged branches and shape as needed. Responds to renovation pruning — cut to 2–3 feet (60–90 cm) if overgrown, and the plant will regenerate from the base over 2–3 seasons. Avoid autumn or early winter pruning, which removes developing catkin buds.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring