The Fernleaf Catalina ironwood is native to San Clemente, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Islands off the Coast of Southern California. It grows on north facing slopes and in canyons where it can receive additional moisture from winter rains. In ornamental landscapes it is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of 25 ft. to 35 ft. tall with a tall and upright form. Its evergreen leaves are often pinnately divided into 3-7 leaflets with deeply lobed margins. Creamy white flowers occur in large clusters in early spring.
Fernleaf Catalina ironwood is an attractive native tree that grows best in well-drained soils and limited amounts of summer water. Care is similar to the needs of our native oaks; allow leaf litter to accumulate below the canopy; minimize soil compaction and understory plantings; restrict summer irrigation to infrequent, deep applications. This tree grow well on slopes and in background areas in residential and commercial landscapes.