Fremontodendron californicum - Medicinal Herbs,Shrub - California Flannelbush, Flannel Bush, Fremontia Page

Fremontodendron californicum, commonly known as California Flannelbush or Fremontia, is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree treasured for its vibrant yellow, saucer-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. This native beauty thrives in California, central Arizona, and northern Baja California, showcasing an impressive height of 8-18 feet and spread of 6-10 feet, with some growing up to 30 feet under ideal conditions. Appreciated for its drought tolerance, it prefers full sun and well-drained, rocky soils.

California Flannelbush is renowned for its fast growth and unique, deeply lobed, fuzzy evergreen leaves. These hairs are akin to flannel in texture but can cause skin irritation upon contact, making it advisable to handle this plant with care. Despite this, it remains a magnificent choice for sunny, low-water gardens and is especially alluring to bees and butterflies, enhancing its ecological value.

Be mindful that while Flannelbush showcases remarkable resilience to fire and drought, it is particularly sensitive to overwatering. Its robust root system seeks moisture deep underground, detesting summer watering which can induce root rot. For optimal growth, position it in gravelly or sandy soils, with little to no summer irrigation. This extraordinary shrub not only graces your landscape with its radiant blossoms but also contributes to native plant gardens, informal hedges, or as a striking accent piece in Mediterranean-style gardens, especially when grown against south-facing walls.