Fremontodendron Californicum - Subspecies

Subspecies

The subspecies Pine Hill flannelbush, F. c. decumbens, is a California endemic and a federally-listed endangered species. It is sometimes known by a species name of its own, Fremontodendron decumbens. It can only grow in metal-rich gabbro soil, a red weathered soil of volcanic origin, and requires fire for seed germination. Nearly all of the individuals of this species are found in the Pine Hill Ecological Reserve in the Sierra Nevada foothills, but since this reserve is near human habitation, fire is suppressed.

The subspecies F. c. californicum, which is usually called California flannelbush or California slippery elm, is more common and is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens. The flowers are yellow and each petal has an attractive, curved shape that comes to a point. The bark bears a gooey sap that was once used as a topical remedy for mucous membrane irritation and for gastrointestinal upset. However, the hairs covering the leaves are easily brushed off and are a skin and eye irritant.

Fremontodendron californicum is also found in central to northern Baja California in isolated locales.

• ssp decumbens

• ssp decumbens

• ssp decumbens