Menu
+ Add
California Native Plant

Lyonothamnus floribundus asplenifolius

Catalina Ironwood

Plant photo of: Lyonothamnus floribundus asplenifolius
Information by: The Plant Nerd Inc.        Photographer: Dave Ryden

 

Description

Recommended for water conservation gardens, this fast-growing evergreen is capable of reaching heights of 60'. Its fragrant, fern-like leaves produce showy flowers during the months of May and June. This tree is multi-stemmed and grows well in groves and on rocky slopes. It needs well-drained soil. If planted along the coast, the tree will be free from trouble.

Maintenance Tips

Lyonothamnus floribundus asplenifolius is a California native evergreen tree that can reach heights of 50-60’ tall with a mature width of 15-20’. It is found naturally in the Channel Islands and is often called the Santa Cruz Island Ironwood. This tree is very fast growing and can reach great heights. It is very important to plant this in a location that can support its size. Often, these are planted in spots that are too small, so they are poorly pruned to manage the size and they lose their natural shape. Eventually, they are removed because they are seen as requiring too much maintenance. To keep the maintenance low, make sure you have room for this tree and once it reaches 10-12' tall, call in a licensed arborist to prune it properly. It is a tree with a beautiful canopy and leaves and should be managed by a professional.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

60-100'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

Brown, Red

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Leaf Season

Evergreen

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast

Soil Type

Sandy, Loam, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Spring

Location Uses

Background, Foundation, Park, Roadside

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Screen, Wind Break, Shade Tree, Fire Resistant

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Be sure to fix all leaks promptly no matter how small they may seem.