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California Flannel Bush Wikimedia Commons
Malvaceae

California Flannel Bush

Fremontodendron californicum

Boldness and natural beauty.

Family
Malvaceae
Genus
Fremontodendron
Native to
California, Arizona, Baja California
Bloom season
Spring, Summer
Type
evergreen shrub to small tree
Height
6-20 ft
Sunlight
full sun
Soil
Fast-draining, rocky, poor soil
Water
low
Hardiness
8-10
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • The bright yellow 'petals' are actually sepals, as flannel bush flowers have no true petals at all.
  • The leaves and stems are covered in tiny star-shaped hairs that can cause severe skin irritation similar to fiberglass.
  • Flannel bush absolutely cannot tolerate summer irrigation and will quickly die from root rot if watered during its dormant period.
  • It was named after John C. Fremont, the explorer and politician who documented many California plants during his expeditions.
  • When in full bloom, the profusion of large yellow flowers can completely obscure the foliage, creating a wall of golden color.

Color meanings

0

independence

1

boldness

2

sunshine

Uses

  • native California garden
  • drought-tolerant landscaping
  • hillside stabilization