Origin
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling, commonly known as Goldman's Silk Tassel, is a plant species native to California, United States. It is found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in the central-eastern part of the state, growing in rocky slopes and mountain forests.
Common Names
Besides Goldman's Silk Tassel, this plant is also known by other common names such as Sierra Silk Tassel, Wavy-leafed Silk Tassel, and California Fever Bush.
Uses
The plant has several uses in traditional Native American medicine, as it was used for treating headaches, coughs, fever, and stomach pains. Its bark contains tannins that have astringent properties, while the leaves and stems are diuretic. The plant is also used in landscaping and gardening due to its ornamental value, with its long, pendulous clusters of yellow-green flowers that bloom from December to March.
General Appearance
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii is a shrub that can grow from three to fifteen feet tall, with its bark being grayish-brown and mottled. The leaves are long and narrow, few-toothed on the edges, and wavy, with shiny, dark green surfaces. The flowers are small, growing in dense clusters, and are either male or female. Male flowers are elongated and yellow-green, while female flowers are round and purplish. The fruit is a berry that is bluish-black in color, with a single seed inside.
Growth Conditions for Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling is a shrub commonly found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California.
Light
These shrubs generally prefer full to partial shade, but can also tolerate full sun exposure. A shaded environment could help reduce water loss and maintain a cooler temperature.
Temperature
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii thrives in cooler temperatures, with ideal growth occurring between 35 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In regions where the temperature does not drop below 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, shrubs can be grown without much trouble. In areas with higher temperatures, shrubs may be more susceptible to drought stress.
Soil
Well-draining soil is best for Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii. These shrubs can tolerate a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, clay, and serpentine soils. However, it is important that the soil does not become waterlogged. In addition, the soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients to ensure optimal growth.
Cultivation
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling is a shrub that is relatively easy to grow in the garden. It is adaptable and can thrive in a range of growing conditions. The plant prefers well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade. It is important to plant Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling in a location that provides protection from strong winds as the plant may suffer from windburn.
Watering Needs
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling is a drought-tolerant plant. However, it requires regular watering during the first few years of establishment to promote healthy growth. Once established, the plant can thrive on natural rainfall, but it will benefit from periodic watering in the absence of rainfall. Watering should be done at the base of the plant to minimize the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling does not require frequent fertilization. However, fertilization can benefit the plant's growth and health. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied in the early spring. It is important not to over-fertilize as this can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii (Woot. & Standl.) Dahling can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done in the late winter or early spring before the new growth emerges. The plant can be selectively pruned to remove dead or damaged branches and to promote new growth. It is important to avoid heavy pruning as the plant may not recover from severe pruning.
Propagation of Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii, commonly known as Goldman's Silktassel, is a species of flowering plants in the family Garryaceae. Propagation of this plant can be done by various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii can easily be propagated by seed. Seeds should be collected from the plant during the fall season, after they have ripened. They should be cleaned and sown in a seed tray filled with a loose, well-draining potting mix. Cover the seeds with the potting mix and water thoroughly. The tray should be placed in a warm, bright location and kept well-watered until germination.
Cutting Propagation
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii can be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in the summer season. Use a sharp, sterilized shears and select cuttings that are about 8 inches long and have at least two pairs of leaves. Remove the bottom pair of leaves and dip the bottom of the stem in a rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it in a bright, humid location. The cutting should root within a few weeks.
Layering Propagation
Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii can also be propagated from layering. Start by bending a low-growing branch to the ground and wound the branch slightly where it touches the soil. Cover the wounded area with moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the branch will root within a few weeks. Once the branch has rooted, cut it away from the parent plant and transplant it to its permanent location.
Disease Management
Garrya ovata ssp. goldmanii is generally considered a hardy plant. However, it is still susceptible to some diseases which could affect both its health and appearance. The most common diseases that affect this plant are powdery mildew, rust, and crown rot.
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by dry and humid conditions, as well as poor air circulation. To manage this disease, it is best to remove any infected parts of the plant, increase air circulation around the plant, and ensure optimal watering practices.
Rust is another fungal disease that can affect the plant. Rust causes rusty-colored spots on the foliage. To control the spread of rust, trim off infected leaves and prune the plant to improve air circulation.
Crown rot is a fungal disease that affects the base of the plant, causing it to wither and die. Crown rot is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Avoid overwatering and maintain well-draining soil to prevent crown rot.
Pest Management
Garrya ovata ssp. goldmanii is generally not affected by severe pest infestations. However, some pests may still cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect Garrya ovata ssp. goldmanii are scale insects and spider mites.
Scale insects are tiny, immobile insects that attach themselves to the plant and suck its sap. The plant will show signs of yellowing and leaf drop. To control scale, prune off heavily infested areas and apply horticultural oil to the affected plant parts.
Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and stippled patches on the plant. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong stream of water, and regularly remove any affected foliage. If the infestation persists, apply insecticidal soap.
In conclusion, Garrya ovata Benth. ssp. goldmanii is a hardy plant, but can still be affected by some diseases and pests. Good gardening practices such as proper watering, pruning, and maintaining good air circulation, can prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests. However, if diseases and pests do emerge, there are several simple measures to control them, and keep the plant healthy.
