Interior Silktassle
Garrya congdonii
Care
full sun
10–13ft tall
Evergreen
Resistant
Yes
Sierra Nevada foothills from Kern County to Madera County, typically 2000-5000 ft elevation in oak woodland and chaparral.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Interior Silktassel in full sun where it will get direct light throughout the day. Space it 8-10 feet apart if you're using it as a hedge, as it naturally grows into a rounded form reaching 10-13 feet tall. The Calscape data doesn't specify soil requirements, so check with your local nursery about any drainage preferences for your specific Bay Area microclimate.
After Planting
Water weekly during your plant's first summer to establish a strong root system, then gradually reduce frequency as it matures and becomes drought-tolerant. This evergreen shrub is low-maintenance once established - it's deer resistant and naturally develops a neat, spherical shape without much intervention. The main mistake people make is overwatering once the plant is past its first year; Interior Silktassel is a California native that will thrive on minimal supplemental water.
Visit Calscape for more information about Interior Silktassle
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
Species of Special Concern in California
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
nest and roost in dense evergreen shrub structure year-round
roost and nest in shrub cavities and dense foliage
construct cup nests in dense foliage; critical breeding habitat Apr-Jul
browse evergreen foliage during dry season when other food scarce
Insects
diverse insect fauna inhabit foliage; food base for insectivorous birds
Mammals
palatable evergreen browse, especially important winter and drought periods
browse tender shoots and leaves during dry season
utilize dense shrub for shelter and browse foliage opportunistically