Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' - Silk Tassel Bush 'James Roof' Oak the fruit have been used

the fruit have been used in those regions but are quite astringent until bletted (similar to medlars) when they then take on a very interesting and pleasing taste

It still has impressive flower spike that sit tall like its cousins

This large deciduous oak is native to Japan

In early summer long panicles of yellow-green flowers occur followed by unusual seed pods

Garrya elliptica 'James Roof' - Silk Tassel Bush 'James Roof' Oak the fruit have been usedThis tough evergreen shrub valued for its pendulous late winter flowers up to 20cm long. A native to the dryer coastal ranges of California and Oregon, it is a very cold and drought tolerant low maintenance plant that will do well in a variety locations in full sun or part shade. The James Roof cultivar was selected from a plant with remarkably long catkins from the Regional Parks Botanic Garden near Berkeley, California.