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Mexican Silktassel

Garrya ovata

Other common name(s):

Eggleaf Silktassel, Eggleaf Garrya, Zumaque, Cuauchichic, Cuauchichi, Guachichi

Family:

Garryaceae (Silktassel Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Tree

Height

6
to
12
ft.

Spread

3
to
6
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Limestone, Alkaline

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Birds

Maintenance

Very drought tolerant. Needs well drained soil. Can be temperamental and typically grown in limestone areas of Central Texas. Propagation: Seed.

Comments

Blooms March-May. Fast growing. This evergreen shrubby tree has interesting leaves with wavy edges and blue-black berries. Is often found growing in the understory of woodland edge. Replaces Invasive: Ligustrum.

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GAOV. 3) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=12219&locationType=County&mapType=Normal, 4) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014, 5) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=27834#null, 6) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014.

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State Office Phone: 830.997.9272

State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624

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