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Common Name: Fever Bush

General Information

Garrya fremontii is a

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

South-western N. America - California and Oregon.

Habitat

In dry situations in chaparral, mixed evergreen, yellow pine and red fir forests at elevations from sea level to 2200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Self-fertile	No

Cultivation Details

Prefers a sunny position succeeding in most well-drained fertile soils[, , ]. Succeeds in a hot dry position. Succeeds in light shade[], the plants are also tolerant of quite deep shade[]. Does not require a rich soil or abundant moisture[], if the soil is too fertile the flowering will be delayed[]. Resistant to urban pollution and maritime exposure but are subject to wind scorch from cold drying winds in colder areas[].
Hardy to about -15°c[], it is best on a sunny wall in most parts of the country but does very well as a free standing shrub in Devon and Cornwall[]. In cold winters and springs the previous year's leaves may fall before the new leaves are produced[].
The plant strongly resents root disturbance[, ] and should be placed in its permanent position as soon as possible.
The plant flowers on wood produced the previous summer[]. All pruning should be carried out in spring before new growth starts but after flowering has ended[].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaves are intensely bitter and are used as an antiperiodic and tonic[]. They can be used as a quinine substitute[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Very slow, the seed can take 2 or more years to germinate. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood 10cm with a heel, August in a frame[].
Cuttings of mature wood 10 - 12 cm with a heel, December/January in a frame[].