Garrya elliptica Coast silk tassel (Garryaceae) Evergreen shrub

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Garrya elliptica
Coast silk tassel
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Garrya elliptica plant species is found in Southwestern N. America - California to Oregon. It is a member of the Garryaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Coast silk tassel.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Garrya elliptica
Common Name:  Coast silk tassel
Family:  Garryaceae
Author:  Lindl.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  4   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Chaparral and forest on dry slopes and ridges below 600 metres[71, 184].

General Uses: Grows well by the sea and can be grown as a hedge in the milder parts of Britain[29, 166]. A hedge in a sheltered position at Wisley in 1991 was very healthy[K]. Makes a good wind shelter[166]. Grey to black dyes are obtained from the berries. The colour varies according to the ripeness of the fruit, green fruits are the best[168]. The bark and leaves are very bitter, a possible insect repellent?[K]. Wood - hard, close-grained. It has been used for fine cabinet work, though its small size and rarity limits its commercial usefulness[229].

For further Garrya elliptica gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future