Overview
Garrya douglasii, also known as coast silktassel, is a native plant species from the western coast of North America. It belongs to the family Garryaceae, which consists of two genera and about 14 species. The genus Garrya was named after Nicholas Garry, who was a secretary of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Appearance
Garrya douglasii is a dioecious, evergreen shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. It has a dense, rounded crown that can spread up to 15 feet in diameter. The plant's bark is dark brown and smooth, while the leaves are simple and leathery, measuring about 8 inches in length and 2 inches in width. They are dark green above and slightly paler beneath, with wavy margins. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but they are clustered in long, drooping spikes up to 6 inches in length that appear in late winter or early spring. The fruit is a fleshy drupe that is about 1 cm in diameter, containing one to two seeds.
Common Names
Coast silktassel is commonly known by different names depending on the region. Other English common names include silk tassel bush, wavyleaf silktassel, and bearbrush. The plant is also called kinkan-kinnick by the Karuk people, who used it in traditional medicine and basket weaving.
Uses
Garrya douglasii has important ecological and cultural uses. It is an important food source for birds, especially during winter months when other sources are scarce. The plant has also been used by indigenous people for medicinal purposes, such as treating stomach aches, sore throats, and headaches. Additionally, the branches of the plant are used in traditional basketry, and the bark of young shoots is used for dyeing.
Garrya douglasii is also cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive foliage and interesting form. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in a variety of soils, although it prefers well-drained soils. It is a good choice for coastal gardens, as it can tolerate salty air and windy conditions.
Light Requirements:
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. typically grows best in partial shade to full sun. It can grow in full shade, but blooming may be limited in those conditions.
Temperature Requirements:
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. grows best in cool, moist conditions. It typically grows in USDA zones 6-9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, and as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Soil Requirements:
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to alkaline soils. It can grow in a variety of soils, including loam, sand, and clay. It can tolerate soils with a pH range from 6-8.5. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve moisture retention and nutrient availability.
Cultivation methods for Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl.
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. prefers well-draining soils and sunny locations. It tolerates a range of soil types from clayey to sandy soils. These plants require moderate watering. It is best to plant during fall or early spring.
Watering needs of Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl.
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. needs moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil moist during its establishment period. After establishing, regular watering is required to maintain moist soil. However, the soil shouldn't be waterlogged, as this could cause root rot.
Fertilization of Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl.
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. doesn't require excessive fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be used once during the growing period. However, overfertilization could cause weak growth and excess leafiness.
Pruning of Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl.
The pruning of Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. should be done after the blooming period. The plant blooms on old wood, and pruning after the blooming season allows the plant to set new buds earlier. It is important to prune when the plant is dormant to avoid damaging the new buds.
Propagation of Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl.
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl., also known as Silk-tassel bush, is a beautiful evergreen shrub that is native to western North America. It produces stunning silver-gray catkins that hang gracefully from its branches during the winter season. If you wish to propagate the plant, here are some propagation methods that you can try:
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is an effective way to grow new Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. plants. You can collect the seed from the female plants during the autumn season, once the catkins have fully ripened. Once you’ve gathered the seeds, you need to sow them in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and keep the pot in a warm, bright spot. The seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks. Wait until the seedlings have developed a few true leaves before transplanting them into a larger pot or container.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is another way to grow new Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. plants. You need to take semi-hardwood cuttings from stem tips during the summer season. The cuttings should be around 6-10 inches in length and should have at least one node. Remove the leaves from the lower part of the cutting and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the cutting into a pot filled with well-draining soil and keep it in a warm, shaded spot. The cutting should develop roots within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots have developed, transplant the cutting to a larger pot or container.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation by layering is a way to produce new Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. plants from an existing shrub. You need to locate a low-growing branch that is close to the ground and gently scratch the bark where you want the roots to develop. Place the scratched area in contact with the soil and cover it with a layer of organic matter like peat moss. Secure the branch to the ground with a U-shaped stake. Keep the soil moist and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots have developed, cut the branch from the main plant and transplant it into a pot or container.
Disease and Pest Management for Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl.
Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl., commonly known as the silk tassel bush, is a hardy native plant in North America and can withstand various weather conditions. Although it is resistant to most diseases and pests, it might face some threats that could affect its growth and health. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. is anthracnose. This fungal infection attacks the plant's leaves and twigs, affecting its growth and making it susceptible to other pests and diseases. The symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spots and stem cankers, which could turn into a black, moldy substance on the leaves. To manage anthracnose, you must remove affected leaves and twigs from around the plant and dispose of them far away from the healthy plants. You can also apply a preventive fungicide during early spring.
Another disease that might affect the plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves, which can stunt the plant's growth and affect its appearance. To manage powdery mildew, you can prune affected leaves and increase air circulation around the plant. You can also apply a preventive fungicide during early spring to keep powdery mildew at bay.
Pests
The silk tassel bush is also prone to pest attacks, and some of the common pests that might affect the plant include spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites feed on the plant's sap, causing yellowing leaves and discoloration. Scale insects, on the other hand, produce a protective shell that covers and sucks the sap out of the plant's twigs and branches, causing the plant's leaves to drop. To manage spider mites and scale insects, you can use an insecticide spray during early spring before the pests start to hatch. You can also use a dormant oil spray during late winter or early spring to suffocate the pests before they can cause damage.
In conclusion, Garrya Dougl. ex Lindl. is a hardy plant that can withstand various diseases and pests. However, you will need to keep an eye out for common infections such as anthracnose and powdery mildew, and pests such as spider mites and scale insects. By applying the preventive measures mentioned above, you can ensure that your silk tassel bush remains healthy and thriving for years to come.
