napensis — Napa Fremontia: The current Jepson does not recognize this subspecies, using Fremontodendron californicum, but the form is different enough that it is horticulturally recognized by this name. It is typically smaller and more open in form than the species, with much smaller leaves and flowers. It grows in height and in width. Uses Medicinal As a traditional Native American medicinal plant, the inner bark's sap that was used as a topical remedy for mucous membrane irritation and for gastrointestinal upset, by some of the indigenous peoples of California. The wood was also used by the Californian Yokuts and Kawaiisu peoples as a building and furniture material, and the bark for cordage and for nets used in acorn cache holding and snare hunting. Cultivation Fremontodendron californicum is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty plant nurseries, for planting in native plant, drought tolerant, and wildlife gardens, and in natural landscaping and habitat restoration projects. Cultivated plants need good drainage, and no supplemental summer water when established. Fremontodendron californicum ssp. decumbens is the most garden tolerant of all Fremontia, and can also be used in large pots and planters. Hybrids There are several named hybrids of Fremontodendron californicum and F. mexicanum in the horticultural trade, they include: Fremontodendron 'California Glory' — lemon-yellow flowers with a reddish tinge, grows in height by in width. It is the winner of the Award of Garden Merit from the California Horticultural Society in 1965, and received a First Class Certificate from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1967. Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor' — golden flowers with a darker orange outside petals in the spring and summer, and grows to only in height by in width. Fremontodendron 'Dara's Gold' — golden flowers over a long period from late winter through early summer, grows in height by in width. A hybrid between Fremontodendron decumbens and Fremontodendron mexicanum. Fremontodendron 'San Gabriel' — in height by in width, suitable for an espalier. Etymology Fremontodendron is named for Major General John Charles Frémont (1813–90), an explorer of western North America. Californicum means 'from California'. References External links USDA Plants Profile for Fremontodendron californicum (California flannelbush) Jepson Manual Treatment of Fremontodendron californicum Calflora Database: Fremontodendron californicum (California flannelbush, California fremontia, Flannel bush) Fremontodendron californicum — UC Photo gallery Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower database + gallery Bombacoideae Flora of California Flora of Arizona Flora of Baja California Flora of Oregon Flora of the