Coast Silk Tassel, Wavyleaf silktassel

Garrya elliptica

Physical Characteristics

Garrya elliptica is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from November to February. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

South-western N. America - California to Oregon.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Antiperiodic Febrifuge The leaves are intensely bitter and are used as an antiperiodic and febrifuge. They can be used as a quinine substitute[46, 61, 95]. An infusion has been used to induce menstruation, probably acting as an abortifacient[257].

Known Hazards

None known