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Foliage/fruit

Garryaceae

Wright silktassel has gray-green, leathery, evergreen leaves and a compact form, generally smaller than G. ovata ssp. lindheimeri in both overall height and leaf size. The leaves are also lighter green and glabrous (smooth). It is found at elevations of 3,000 to 8,000 feet on rocky canyons and banks in extreme West Texas, particularly in the Franklin Mountains, and into New Mexico and Arizona. It grows best in full sun on well-drained soil, and is extremely drought tolerant. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants, and the attractive dark purple fruits that appear on female plants in the fall contrast well with the foliage and provide food for wildlife. Wright silktassel would make an interesting contrast with dark green plants and could be useful on rocky slopes for erosion control or as a speciman.

Plant Habit or Use: small shrub
medium shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: inconspicuous

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: dark blue or purple drupe

Height: 3 to 9 feet

Width: 3 to 9 feet

Plant Character: evergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: