How much sun does Silk-tassel need?

Silk-tassel grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Silk-tassel bloom?

Silk-tassel blooms in December, January, and February.

Where is Silk-tassel native?

Silk-tassel (Garrya elliptica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Silk-tassel attract?

Silk-tassel draws wind and early bees.

Silk-tassel

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Garrya elliptica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Silk-tassel (Garrya elliptica) 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

96"–180" H × 96"–144" W

Bloom

Dec, Jan, Feb

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

wind, early bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A large evergreen screening shrub with leathery gray-green leaves and dramatic silvery-gray catkins that dangle from the branches in the coldest months. Male plants produce the longest, showiest catkins, making this a winter-interest anchor for a mixed hedge.

Wildlife value

Its winter catkins provide an early pollen source for foraging bees before most other plants have started blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Silk-tassel need?: Silk-tassel grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Silk-tassel bloom?: Silk-tassel blooms in December, January, and February.
Where is Silk-tassel native?: Silk-tassel (Garrya elliptica) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Silk-tassel attract?: Silk-tassel draws wind and early bees.

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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