Fremontodendron californicum

Common Names

California Flannelbush, Fremontia, Flannel Bush

Summary

The California flannelbush is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to California, western Arizona, and northern Baja California, with a sprawling form, fuzzy gray-green leaves often three-lobed, and bright yellow flowers about 3–6 cm across that appear in late spring to early summer, creating a showy display attractive to bees and butterflies; typical size reaches roughly 8–18 ft tall and 6–10 ft wide.

It grows best in full sun on well-drained soils (sandy or loamy) and is drought-tolerant once established, tolerating poor soils and dry conditions with little summer watering; propagation is by seed or softwood cuttings, and it is commonly used in ornamental beds, borders, and drought-tolerant landscapes; hardy in USDA zones 8–10; leaves and undersides are fuzzy and can irritate skin or eyes.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8-18 ft

Spread

6-10 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-10

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Soil pH

Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Fast-growing, about 36 inches per year

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Root sprouts

Attracts Wildlife

Bees and butterflies.