Plant Database
James Roof Silktassel
Garrya elliptica ‘James Roof’
Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', commonly known as James Roof Silktassel, is a spectacular, California native evergreen shrub prized for its exceptionally long, pendulous catkins and dense, textured foliage. This vigorous, upright shrub forms a dense, rounded mound of gray-green, wavy-edged, leathery leaves that provide year-round interest and contrast. In winter through early spring, it produces an abundance of remarkably long, silky, greenish-white catkins (up to 12 inches long) that dangle elegantly from the branches, creating a breathtaking, cascading display. This is one of the showiest and most sought-after silktassel cultivars. Exceptionally drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance, it is an outstanding choice for coastal gardens, slopes, woodland gardens, and water-wise landscapes.