Coast Silk Tassel Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' (m)
ABOUT
Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', commonly known as silk tassel, is a striking evergreen shrub. This variety is noteworthy for its dense and bushy habit, with glossy, dark green leaves. The leaves themselves are oval-shaped with wavy edges and have a leathery texture, which gives the foliage a robust appearance. The most distinctive feature of the silk tassel 'James Roof' are its long, pendant-like flower tassels, or catkins, for which the plant is named. These catkins are particularly long in this cultivar, cascading elegantly from the branches. They possess a silvery-gray color, providing a graceful contrast against the rich green of the leaves. The male catkins on this plant are showier and more prolific than those on female plants or other varieties. During the blooming season, these tassels create a visually captivating display. Although it is a male form of the plant, which means it does not produce fruit, 'James Roof' has a lush and full appearance. The overall form of the silk tassel is naturally rounded to slightly oval, creating a structured yet soft silhouette. Its sturdy stems and branches give it a robust framework, supporting the dense foliage and prominent flower tassels that drape decorously, adding movement and texture to the garden.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Garryaceae
Synonyms
Silk Tassel Tree, Coast Silk Tassel, Wavy-Leaf Silktassel, James Roof Silktassel
Common names
Garrya elliptica 'James Roof'
ToxicityTo humans
Silk tassel is not commonly recognized as a poisonous plant to humans, and there appears to be no significant evidence suggesting that it poses a risk upon ingestion. Consequently, there is a lack of documented symptoms associated with the poisoning from consuming any part of this plant. However, as with any plant, individuals may have specific allergies or sensitivities, so it's generally advisable to avoid ingesting plants not known to be safe as food.
To pets
Silk tassel is not typically known to be toxic to pets, and there is no widely available information indicating it is harmful to animals. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning documented for this plant concerning pet consumption. Still, individual pets may have their own sensitivities or allergic reactions, and it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
10-15 feet (3-4.5 meters)
Spread
8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' provides year-round landscape interest with its leathery, dark green leaves.
- Wildlife Habitat: The plant offers shelter and food for wildlife, attracting birds and beneficial insects.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this Silk Tassel Bush is quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning to maintain its shape.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, it can be used as a privacy screen or hedge in landscapes.
- Wind Resistance: The tough foliage and strong branches can withstand windy conditions, making it good for coastal areas.
- Ornamental Flowers: The plant produces long, showy tassels of flowers in the winter to early spring, adding visual interest during the duller months.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Privacy screening: Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', also known as silk tassel bush, can be used as a natural privacy screen due to its dense foliage when planted in a row or hedge formation.
- Sound barrier: The thick growth habit of silk tassel bush can help to dampen noise when planted alongside busy roads or between properties in urban areas.
- Creative crafts: The long, cascading tassels of the silk tassel bush can be dried and used in floral arrangements or as part of decorative craft projects.
- Tannin source: The leaves and bark of the Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' contain tannins, which can be used in the tanning process of leathers.
- Erosion control: With its extensive root system, silk tassel bush can be planted on slopes to help prevent soil erosion and stabilize the land.
- Windbreak: The silk tassel bush can act as a windbreak to protect more delicate plants, reducing wind speed and the potential damage to other garden vegetation.
- Cat repellent: Some gardeners use the silk tassel bush as a natural deterrent for cats, as they are often averse to its leaf texture and foliage density.
- Shade provider: Larger specimens of the silk tassel bush can provide substantial shade, which can be beneficial in creating cooler spots in the garden during hot weather.
- Wildlife habitat: The dense foliage of the silk tassel bush provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for various species of birds.
- Educational tool: Silk tassel bushes can be used in schools or educational programs to teach children about native plants and their role in local ecosystems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Silk Tassel Bush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Silk Tassel Bush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', commonly known as "Coast Silk Tassel," often thrives in coastal environments and can adapt to harsh conditions, symbolizing the ability to endure and overcome challenges.
- Protection: With its tough, evergreen foliage, the Coast Silk Tassel is seen as a symbol of protection, providing shelter and acting as a natural barrier against the elements and wildlife.
- Elegance: The long, silky catkins that hang from the branches give this plant a graceful and elegant appearance, often symbolizing sophistication and refinement.
- Privacy: As the Coast Silk Tassel can grow into dense shrubs, they are often used in gardens for creating private spaces, symbolizing the human desire for personal sanctuary and seclusion.
- Mystery: The dense foliage and tassels that may obscure the plant's inner structure lend it an air of mystery, evoking curiosity and the unknown.
WaterThe Silk Tassel Bush prefers to be watered deeply and allowed to dry out somewhat between watering sessions. In the growing season, typically spring through fall, you should water every 7 to 10 days, using approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per watering for a medium-sized shrub. During the winter months, water less frequently, only when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch, as the plant is dormant and its water requirements are lower. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Overhead irrigation should be avoided to prevent fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightThe Silk Tassel Bush thrives in a location that offers full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot is one that receives morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day, to protect it from the intense heat of the afternoon sun. This plant is versatile and can adapt to less than ideal light conditions, but for optimal growth and flowering, the aforementioned light conditions are best.
TemperatureSilk Tassel Bush is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions where temperatures range between 50°F and 70°F. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to around 10°F and maximum temperatures up to 90°F. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of its ideal range can stress the plant, so providing some protection from extreme cold or heat is beneficial for its health.
PruningPruning the Silk Tassel Bush is generally done to maintain its shape and remove any dead or diseased wood. It is best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. You should cut back the flowering tassels after they have faded and trim the shrub to encourage a full and bushy growth habit. Pruning every couple of years is sufficient unless you are using it as a hedge, in which case you might need to trim it more regularly to maintain the desired shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Coastal Silk Tassel requires a well-draining soil mix with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. A blend of one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or sand provides good drainage and aeration. The pH can be adjusted if necessary, using lime to raise or sulfur to lower the pH to meet these conditions.
RepottingThe Coastal Silk Tassel should be repotted approximately every 2 to 3 years. Younger plants may require more frequent repotting, while mature plants can be repotted less often as their growth rate slows down. It's important to use a fresh soil mix and a slightly larger pot to accommodate the growing roots.
Humidity & MistingCoastal Silk Tassel plants prefer moderate humidity levels. They don't require high humidity and can tolerate the natural humidity found in most home environments. Providing some airflow around the plant can help prevent issues related to excessive humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Choose partial shade, shelter from harsh winds, and mulch well.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycle'James Roof' Silk Tassel begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon germination in suitable conditions, grows into a small seedling. As it matures, it develops into a woody evergreen shrub, forming a dense, bushy structure with oval-shaped, leathery leaves. During late winter to early spring, the plant exhibits its most distinctive feature, producing long, silvery catkins that dangle from the branches, with male plants bearing longer and more showy catkins than females. After the flowering stage, pollination occurs, typically requiring a separate female plant for the male's pollen to fertilize and set seed. If pollinated successfully, the female plant will produce berry-like fruits that mature, eventually dispersing seeds to close the reproductive cycle. Throughout its life, 'James Roof' Silk Tassel experiences annual growth phases, with periodic pruning needed to maintain shape and encourage healthy foliage and flowering.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Spring
For Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', also commonly known as Silk Tassel Bush, the most popular method of propagation is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late summer. To propagate by this method, one would cut a piece of the stem that has matured partially but still retains some flexibility, usually ranging from 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 cm) in length. The cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development and then planted in a well-draining potting mix. It is important to keep the cuttings moist but not overly wet, and they should be placed in a warm, sheltered spot with indirect light. The cuttings generally develop roots in a few weeks to a couple of months, after which they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the ground.
