Flannelbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flannelbush |
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| Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor' (F. californicum × F. mexicanum') |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Subfamily: | Bombacoideae |
| Genus: | Fremontodendron Coville |
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| Synonyms | |
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Fremontia Torr. nom. illeg. |
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The Fremontodendron, also known as fremontia, flannelbush, or flannel bush, is a type of plant. It is a genus of three known species of shrubs. These plants grow naturally in the Southwestern United States and northwest Mexico.
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About Flannelbush Plants
Flannelbush plants belong to the plant family called Malvaceae. This family also includes plants like hibiscus and cotton. Long ago, they were placed in a different family, the Sterculiaceae. The name Fremontodendron was given to honor John C. Frémont. He was the first person to collect this plant during an expedition in 1846 in California.
What They Look Like
The leaves of the flannelbush feel like soft, fuzzy flannel fabric. This is how the plant got its common name. The flowers are usually large and bright, ranging from yellow to orange. It's important to know that touching the leaves and young shoots can sometimes make your skin or eyes itchy.
Types of Flannelbush Species
There are three main species of flannelbush:
- Fremontodendron californicum — This is known as the Californian flannelbush.
- Fremontodendron decumbens — This one is called the Pine Hill flannelbush.
- Fremontodendron mexicanum — This is the Mexican flannelbush.
Pine Hill Flannelbush
The Pine Hill flannelbush (Fremontodendron decumbens) is a special type. It grows low to the ground and spreads out, usually about 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall and 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. It has yellow-orange flowers. This plant is endemic, meaning it only grows naturally in a specific area. Almost all of these plants are found in the Pine Hill Ecological Reserve in El Dorado County, California.
It grows best in a special kind of soil called gabbro soil. This is a red, weathered soil that comes from volcanic rocks. For its seeds to sprout, this plant needs fire. However, because the nature reserve is close to towns, fires are often stopped. This plant is listed as a federally endangered species, meaning it is at high risk of disappearing.
Mexican Flannelbush
The Mexican flannelbush (Fremontodendron mexicanum) is also endemic. It grows only in the central Peninsular Ranges. It is found in northern Baja California (Mexico) and nearby southern San Diego County, California. Sadly, it has recently been confirmed to exist in only two of its original locations.
Napa Fremontia
There is also a type called Fremontodendron californicum ssp. napensis, or Napa fremontia. While some plant guides don't list it as a separate subspecies, many gardeners recognize it. It is usually smaller and more open than the main Californian flannelbush. Its leaves and flowers are also much smaller. It typically grows 6 to 15 feet (1.8 to 4.6 meters) tall and 4 to 12 feet (1.2 to 3.7 meters) wide.
Growing Flannelbush Plants
Fremontodendrons are popular ornamental plants. People grow them because of their bright yellow flowers. These flowers bloom for a long time on a shrub or small tree that grows quickly. You can trim them to control their size or shape.
These plants like dry, poor soils. They do well in warm, sunny places with dry summers. They might get root rot if they are planted in heavy clay soils or if they get too much water in the summer.
Flannelbush plants are used in native plant gardens. They are also great for water-conserving gardens, which use less water. They are also good for wildlife gardens in California. You can also find them growing in gardens in England.
Hybrid Flannelbush Varieties
Gardeners have created several hybrid flannelbush plants. These are crosses between Fremontodendron californicum and Fremontodendron mexicanum. Some popular ones include:
- Fremontodendron 'California Glory: This plant has lemon-yellow flowers with a reddish tint. It can grow up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall and 20 feet (6.1 meters) wide. It won an award from the California Horticultural Society in 1965. It also received a special certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1967.
- Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor: This variety has golden flowers with darker orange on the outside petals. It blooms in spring and summer. It only grows to about 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and 8 to 10 feet (2.4 to 3.0 meters) wide.
- Fremontodendron 'Dara's Gold: This hybrid has golden flowers that bloom for a long time, from late winter through early summer. It grows about 3 feet (0.9 meters) tall and 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) wide. It is a cross between Fremontodendron decumbens and Fremontodendron mexicanum.
See also
In Spanish: Fremontodendron para niños
