Garrya elliptica 'James Roof', Silk Tassel Bush or Quinine Bush

Beautiful, foot-long silky tassels adorn this evergreen native in late winter (Jan-Feb in the PNW). Perfect for informal screening, it is already dense, but also very amenable to formative pruning in April or May. The bush is not crazy about wind — a little protection is good. And don't despair, it takes a few years to establish and then it will take off. Garrya elliptica was used as a substitute for quinine by early settlers in hopes of avoiding malaria. Whether it was effective or not is another question. Mature size: 12 ft T x W Minimum temperature: 15° F