Fremontodendron californicum aka California Flannelbush

California flannelbush has the scientific name Fremontodendron californicum. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. It comes from California, western Arizona, and northern Baja California. It grows on dry slopes, in chaparral, and in open woods. Rocky foothills and poor soils suit this shrub or small tree. It grows fast but can have a short garden life.

Garden plants often reach 8–18 feet [2.4–5.5 metres] tall. They spread about 6–10 feet [1.8–3 metres] wide. RHS gives larger ranges, reaching 26 feet [8 metres] tall. Some plants reach 30 feet [9.1 metres]. A short trunk holds a dense, spreading crown. The crown has an uneven shape. Leaves may stay green year-round, or some may fall. They feel like leather and often have three rounded lobes. Their tops are dark green. Dense hairs make their undersides look white. Woolly hairs coat young twigs, which grow smooth with age. Old bark turns dark grey, with grooves and rough ridges.

Yellow flowers open on short shoots in spring and early summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists the main bloom as May to June. Other sources say blooms last through summer and into early autumn. Each flower has five broad sepals, which look like petals. Flowers measure about 1–2 inches across. RHS reports blooms a little larger than this. They draw butterflies and give the shrub its main garden appeal. Fruits called capsules form after the flowers. They have an egg shape with a pointed tip. Dense hairs coat these golden-brown fruits. They ripen in late summer or autumn. Then they split into four or five sections.

Grow this plant in a sheltered spot with full sun. It suits dry summers and poor to fairly fertile soil. Soil must drain well; richness matters less. Rich soil can favour leaves over flowers. Once plants take root, they can cope with drought. Give them little water. RHS also allows moist soil that drains well. Its UK hardiness rating is H4. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 8–10. Its care text, though, says 6–10. Use it for loose hedges or as a stand-alone plant. It also suits beds of native plants. A warm south-facing wall suits colder parts of its range.

Too much moisture can cause root or crown rot and death. RHS also lists Phytophthora root disease and honey fungus. Insect pests rarely cause trouble. Stem and leaf hairs can irritate skin and eyes. RHS warns that this risk affects both people and pets. Wear gloves and protective gear when you handle the plant. There are no known edible uses. Reported uses include inner bark for poultices. People have also used bark fibre to make cords and nets.