Fremontodendron
| Flannelbush | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor' | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Fremontodendron Coville |
| Species | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Fremontia |
|
Fremontodendron (flannelbush or flannel bush) is a genus of two species of shrubs from the southwestern United States and northwest Mexico. They are treated within the Sterculiaceae by the most of the authors, in the tribe Fremontodendreae together with the genus Chiranthodendron, but also included in the family Malvaceae (fide APG). Both the genus, and its synonym were named in dedication to John C. Frémont.[1]
The leaves have a leathery and fuzzy texture reminiscent of flannel (thus the name), and the yellow and orange flowers are large and showy. The hairs of the leaves and young shoots can cause skin irritation.
There are two species: the California Flannelbush F. californicum, and the Mexican Flannelbush F. mexicanum, and a number of populations of uncertain status. In addition, a number of hybrid cultivars have been produced, including 'California Glory', 'Ken Taylor', and 'Pacific Sunset'.
The Pine Hill Flannelbush F. californicum ssp. decumbens is a rare variety known only from the Pine Hill Preserve in El Dorado County, California, though populations in Nevada County and Yuba County are very similar and best treated in this subspecies. The Napa Flannelbush F. californicum ssp. napense occurs in Napa and adjacent counties, and Thickleaf California Flannelbush F. californicum subsp. crassifolia occurs in Santa Cruz County.
[edit] Cultivation
The two species and many cultivars are used in water conserving gardens in California and England
[edit] References
- ^ Michael L. Charters. "Botanical Names: F". California Plant Names: Latin and Greek Meanings and Derivations. Sierra Madre, CA. http://www.calflora.net/botanicalnames/pageF.html. Retrieved September 24, 2009.
