How much sun does Ashy silk-tassel need?

Ashy silk-tassel grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Ashy silk-tassel bloom?

Ashy silk-tassel blooms in January, February, and March.

Where is Ashy silk-tassel native?

Ashy silk-tassel (Garrya flavescens) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Ashy silk-tassel

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Garrya flavescens

Last reviewed: October 2026

Ashy silk-tassel (Garrya flavescens) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states. It blooms in January, February, and March.

Toxicity unknown

Ashy silk-tassel (Garrya flavescens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar

Native to

AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Ashy silk-tassel.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A rounded evergreen shrub with leathery gray-green leaves and long drooping catkins of small flowers in late winter. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.

Growing Ashy silk-tassel

Grow Ashy silk-tassel in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Dense evergreen cover provides shelter for birds through winter; catkins are wind pollinated.

Common questions

How much sun does Ashy silk-tassel need?: Ashy silk-tassel grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Ashy silk-tassel bloom?: Ashy silk-tassel blooms in January, February, and March.
Where is Ashy silk-tassel native?: Ashy silk-tassel (Garrya flavescens) is native to AZ, CA, NM, NV and 1 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Ashy silk-tassel? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app