Fremontodendron californicum, Flannel Bush

Best known for its spectacular bright yellow flowers during spring blooming season, Flannel Bush is an eye-catching, large, evergreen shrub. The vibrant blooms attract bees and butterflies. This plant gets its name from fuzzy hairs on the leaves that can be an irritant to eyes and skin.

Flannel Bush has unique moisture and site-selection requirements. In its natural environment, it grows in sandy or chalky soil, about 10 feet away from a water source. In the garden, plant it at a similar distance from any type of irrigation. It is fast growing, and under ideal conditions, it can reach 20 feet tall by 20 feet wide in five years.

It is notably intolerant of summer water and should stay dry, even when it looks like it needs water. Supplemental irrigation that’s too close to a Flannel Bush can kill it. This plant depends on its long roots to reach moisture at a distance, so be sure to plant it near other low-moisture plants. If it’s happy where it is sited, it will provide a gorgeous show while in bloom.

There are a number of named varieties, some of which stay smaller than the straight species.