1. Catalina (Fernleaf) Ironwood – Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius &
floribundus
(ly-on-oh-THAM-nus flor-ih-BUND-us as-pleen-ee-ih-FO-lee-us)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Channel Islands (Catalina & San Clemente); in canyons and rocky slopes in oak
woodland, and chaparral.
Native to:
Woody tree
mature height: 10-50 ft.
mature width: 15-35 ft.
Many-branched, upright evergreen tree or large shrub, generally with a narrow crown (somewhat
conifer-like).
Leaves leathery, dark green and fern-like in appearance. Ssp. aspendiifolius has
many-lobed leaves. Bark is red-brown to gray and shaggy in mature trees. Trunk structure is also
very interesting and decorative. Fast-growing.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits:
yellow centers.
Blooms in late spring-early summer. Clusters of showy, small white flowers with
Seed-heads and fallen leaves are rust-brown in late-summer/fall.
Uses in the garden: Excellent evergreen tree for yard or patio. Evergreen, with a ‘woodsy’ look to it
(looks somewhat like a conifer). Does well on banks and slopes. Excellent specimen plant due to
interesting flowers, leaves and bark. Makes a good street or parkway tree in coastal areas.
Consider using as a tall dense screen or creating a ‘grove’ with several plants. Rare in the wild.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native podocarpus, oleander, eucalyptus, Pervuvian Peppertree.
Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
and other native pollinators, including butterflies.
Good nectar source for bees
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part-shade (inland)
Any local pH; any texture from sandy or rocky to clay; best in well-drained soils
Semi-dry in summer; may water deeply once a month in summer
None required; may need iron in clay soils with excessive watering
Hardy to 15˚ F; tolerates some wind, but best in non-gusty setting
Early pruning needed to train a good shape; pruning needed less frequently with
age. Requires removal of suckers (prone to suckering).
Management:
Propagation: from seed: easy from fresh seed; no pre-treatment
by cuttings: probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 9, 11, 14, 19, 20
12/9/10
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