Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. aspleniifolius (Catalina Ironwood)

Native to the Channel Islands of California, Lyonothamnus floribundus subsp. aspleniifolius (Catalina Ironwood) is a conical, evergreen tree boasting a ravishing exfoliating bark, peeling in long strips, a lovely mix of light gray and rich cinnamon red. The smaller stems and young twigs are often reddish. The shiny foliage of fern-like, dark green leaves, 4-6 in. long (10-15 cm), with paler undersides, is quite unique and attractive. In spring and summer, large flattened sprays of small, woolly white, five-petalled flowers are produced at the branch tips. They contrast nicely with the dark foliage. Tolerant of a variety of soils as long as drainage is good, Catalina Ironwood is prized as a garden specimen for its ornamental bark and elegant foliage. Great for bank stabilization, groves, it is well suited to the coastal climate of Southern California.

• Grows up to 20-40 ft. tall (6-12 m) and 15-20 ft. wide (4-6 m).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade in fertile, dry to medium, well-drained soils. Protect from cold, drying winds. Drought tolerant once established.
• Great for wall-side borders, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, bank stabilization or coastal gardens.
• Low maintenance, easy to grow, easy to care for.
• No serious pest or disease issues. May be affected by chlorosis in heavy soils.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers outdoors in fall, or take greenwood cuttings in summer.
• Native to Channel Islands, California.