What does California Flannelbush look like?

It is an evergreen shrub with felty, lobed leaves and large cup shaped yellow flowers that stand out against the foliage.

When does California Flannelbush bloom?

Flowering typically runs from April through June, with the heaviest bloom in spring.

How much water does California Flannelbush need?

It prefers low water once established and is prone to root problems if soil stays wet, so good drainage matters more than frequent irrigation.

What growing conditions suit California Flannelbush best?

Full sun and lean, fast draining soil on slopes or rocky ground mimic the dry chaparral and foothill sites where it grows well.

What pollinators visit California Flannelbush flowers?

Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are commonly seen visiting the flowers for nectar and pollen.

Is California Flannelbush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Flannelbush as toxic to livestock.

Is California Flannelbush HOA-friendly?

California Flannelbush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

California Flannelbush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Fremontodendron californicum

Last reviewed: September 2026

California Flannelbush is an evergreen shrub with large cup shaped yellow flowers that bloom from April through June. It grows well on dry, rocky, well drained slopes in full sun.

Toxicity unknown

California Flannelbush (Fremontodendron californicum) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag California Flannelbush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

72"–144" H × 72"–144" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, hummingbirds

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

Flannelbush is a striking native shrub with bright yellow cup-shaped flowers that bloom profusely in spring. It features fuzzy, lobed leaves with a soft texture and grows into a large evergreen specimen that can reach 6-12 feet tall and wide. The plant is drought tolerant once established and thrives in full sun with minimal water.

Growing California Flannelbush

Grow California Flannelbush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 72 to 144 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Flannelbush is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: backyard only, mid zone.

Large size may overwhelm smaller front yards
Fuzzy leaves and stems can cause skin irritation during maintenance
Informal growth habit may need strategic placement

Wildlife value

Host plant for painted lady butterfly.

This shrub provides valuable nectar for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during its spring blooming period. The dense foliage also offers shelter and nesting habitat for birds.

Common questions

What does California Flannelbush look like?: It is an evergreen shrub with felty, lobed leaves and large cup shaped yellow flowers that stand out against the foliage.
When does California Flannelbush bloom?: Flowering typically runs from April through June, with the heaviest bloom in spring.
How much water does California Flannelbush need?: It prefers low water once established and is prone to root problems if soil stays wet, so good drainage matters more than frequent irrigation.
What growing conditions suit California Flannelbush best?: Full sun and lean, fast draining soil on slopes or rocky ground mimic the dry chaparral and foothill sites where it grows well.
What pollinators visit California Flannelbush flowers?: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are commonly seen visiting the flowers for nectar and pollen.
Is California Flannelbush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Flannelbush as toxic to livestock.
Is California Flannelbush HOA-friendly?: California Flannelbush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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