Flannel Bush
Fremontodendron californicum
The flannel bush is a fast-growing evergreen shrub growing 8–18 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide. The dark gray-green leaves are lobed, though lobe shape, depth and number ranges greatly. The leaves are covered in a downy fuzz, giving them a flannel-like appearance. The underside of the leaf is a pale yellow from the tiny hairs. The most stunning part of the plant, however, are the large, yellow flowers. The rich yellow flowers, sometimes tinged with orange, copper, and red, are 3.5–6.0 centimeters in diameter. The five petals are broad and curve to a tapered point. The flowers are borne in clusters, though they tend to bloom one at a time.
Basic Information
Member of the Malvaceae, or mallow, family
Fast-growing, evergreen shrub
Can grow up to 20 feet wide and tall in 5 years
Occasionally, it is considered a small tree
A number of subspecies were formerly recognized, but those classifications have since been changed
Many hybrids have been created with Fremontodendron mexicanum
Habitat
Native to the hills of the Central Coast and San Francisco Bay Area, the foothills around the Central Valley, and in the Transverse and Peninsular Ranges
There are a few isolated populations in Arizona and northern Baja California
Found in the a diverse range of habitats including chaparral, pine forest, and oak woodlands
Reproduction
Blooms from April to June
Alternative Names
California Flannelbush, Northern Flannelbush, Northern Fremontia, California Slippery Elm, California Fremontia
Historical Uses
The Kawaiisu, Shoshoni and Yokut peoples made the bark into cordage, which they then used for a variety of tasks including:
Make heavy load carrying nets
Make rabbit nets
Bind acorn caches
Additional Information
Flannel bushes are covered in tiny allergenic hairs that often causes skin irritation
