Fernleaf Catalina Ironwood
SIZE: Medium (Height 25-35'; Spread 15-20').
GROWTH RATE: Moderate.
FOLIAGE: Dark green, narrow, deeply lobed leaves, 4-6" long, with fernlike leaflets, glossy above, gray and hairy below.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Tiny white flowers in clusters 4-8" across, bloom June-September, persist year-round. Insignificant fruit. Rough, shredding red-brown bark.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: Moderate. Early pruning needed to train a good shape; pruning needed less frequently with age. Requires removal of suckers.
TOLERANCES: Drought (once established), sandy soil, salt air; steady, moderate winds; fog.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Prefers sun or partial shade. Needs excellent drainage and performs best with less wind exposure. Prone to suckering.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Native to Islands off the Southern California coast. Good street tree for coastal areas, as long as it has some wind protection.
ALTERNATE FORMS: Can be bred with straighter trunks.