Garrya

Today's the day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . to hang down

Noticed this distinctive and rather strange-looking tree today in an Edinburgh garden.

I think it's a Garrya - or as it's commonly known, the Silk Tassel Bush.  It positively drips with these long attractive catkins very early in the year reminding you that spring is on the way.  It's actually native to Mexico and the western United States where conditions will be rather warmer - but it seems to survive here pretty well . . . . . . . . .