James Roof Silktassel

James Roof Silktassel

5 Gallon
$86.90
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James Roof Silktassel
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James Roof Silktassel

Garrya elliptica 'James Roof'

The showiest silktassel cultivar, with exceptionally long, pendulous, silky greenish-white catkins (up to 12 inches) and dense, wavy-edged evergreen foliage.

$86.90
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Description

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.

Quick Facts

  • Foliage & Flowers: Dense, gray-green, wavy-edged, leathery, evergreen leaves; exceptionally long, pendulous, greenish-white catkins (up to 12 inches) in winter through early spring.
  • Mature Height: 8-15 ft.
  • Mature Spread: 8-15 ft.
  • Growth Rate: Fast.
  • Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-10; Sunset 4-9, 14-24.
  • Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade.
  • Core Benefits: Spectacular pendulous winter-spring catkins (up to 12 inches), dense evergreen foliage, drought tolerant, deer resistant, low maintenance, California native.
  • Best Uses: Coastal gardens, slopes (erosion control), woodland gardens, specimen plant, hedges, native plant gardens, water-wise landscapes.

Faqs

Q: How large does James Roof Silktassel get?
A: It is a medium to large evergreen shrub, typically reaching 8-15 feet in both height and spread at maturity, with a dense, rounded habit.

Q: When does it bloom?
A: It produces its spectacular, pendulous catkins from winter through early spring, creating a dramatic, cascading display when little else is in bloom.

Q: What makes the catkins unique?
A: The catkins are exceptionally long (up to 12 inches), silky, and greenish-white, dangling elegantly from the branches. This cultivar is prized for having some of the longest and showiest catkins of any Garrya.

Q: Is it drought tolerant?
A: Yes, once established, it is exceptionally drought tolerant. Water regularly during its first year, then little to no supplemental water is needed. It thrives in well-drained soils.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally resistant to deer.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It performs best in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, protection from harsh afternoon sun is beneficial.

Q: Is it a good choice for slopes?
A: Yes, its deep root system and dense habit make it excellent for erosion control on slopes and banks.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A heavy nursery size with immediate landscape presence. It can often be moved by one person with a nursery dolly or hand truck, but it is generally too heavy for normal hand carrying.

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Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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