Fremontodendron Coville: fremontia, flannelbush

Abstract

The genus Fremontodendron is endemic to California and adjacent areas of Arizona and Baja California. It includes 2 common and 1 rare species (table 1) (Kelman 1991). Fremontias are shrubs or small trees with evergreen leaves that are alternate, entire to lobed, and covered with characteristic stellate hairs. They are components of chaparral vegetation and are able to resprout abundantly after fire. The resprouts are valuable forage for deer and domestic livestock (Nord 1974). Fremontias are handsome plants that are used extensively in California for roadside and residential landscaping and are becoming known as native garden plants (Holmes 1993). Interspecific hybrids such as F. mexicanum x F. californicum 'California Glory' have been developed for horticultural use. Fremontias are drought-tolerant and have been successfully planted for watershed protection in wildland settings (Nord 1974).

Parent Publication

• The Woody Plant Seed Manual

Citation

Meyer, Susan E. 2008. Fremontodendron Coville: fremontia, flannelbush. In: Bonner, Franklin T.; Karrfalt, Robert P., eds. The Woody Plant Seed Manual. Agric. Handbook No. 727. Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. p. 544-546.