Garrya wrightii  Silktassel
EVERGREEN SHRUB.  A sturdy, densely leafy shrub with small oval pointed bluish-green leaves, reminiscent of Manzanita but without the red bark.  Branches are green, bark is dark gray.  Flowers and fruits tiny, in hanging clusters.  Uncommon in the Empires at higher elevations in chaparral and desert grassland; the Empires are a bit too dry for this species to thrive there.
FAMILY: Garryaceae (Silktassel Family)