How much sun does Mexican Silktassel need?

Mexican Silktassel grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mexican Silktassel bloom?

Mexican Silktassel blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Mexican Silktassel native?

Mexican Silktassel (Garrya ovata) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Mexican Silktassel HOA-friendly?

Mexican Silktassel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Mexican Silktassel

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Garrya ovata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

72"–144" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Edwards Plateau

Mexican Silktassel is an evergreen shrub that produces distinctive drooping clusters of silky catkins in spring. It grows 6-12 feet tall with a naturally rounded form and requires minimal water once established. The gray-green foliage provides year-round structure in the landscape.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mexican Silktassel takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The spring catkins provide early season nectar for native bees and other small pollinators. Birds may use the dense branching structure for nesting and shelter.

Common questions

How much sun does Mexican Silktassel need?: Mexican Silktassel grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mexican Silktassel bloom?: Mexican Silktassel blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Mexican Silktassel native?: Mexican Silktassel (Garrya ovata) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mexican Silktassel HOA-friendly?: Mexican Silktassel takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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