Lyonothamnus Floribundus var. asplenifolius

Common Names: catalina ironwood, santa cruz island ironwood

Family: Rosaceae

Origin: California

Type: Evergreen tree

Size: 20-60 ft. high; 15-35 ft. wide.

Flowers: Small white flowers in flat sprays, late spring to early summer; narrow leaves are dark green on top, gray and hairy underneath, and lobed. Bark is red and peels.

Uses: Shade for other plants, color and shape accent, background. Tolerates salt spray, wind. Fire resistive.

Wildlife: Habitat, seeds for birds and other animals.

Soil: Must be well-drained.

Water: Low water in summer.

Sun: Full sun to afternoon shade in heat.

Pruning: Prune off old flower sprays and to shape in winter.

Pests & Diseases: Chlorosis in heavier soils. Aphids may be problem. 

Notes: Bark is untidy. Leaves can get caught in understory plants. L. floribundus var. asplenifolius has more deeply-lobed leaves than L. floribundus. Not good in heat. Hardy to 15°F.