This is a small Garrya elliptica that produces long catkins in mild - cool & wet conditions. I first noticed this type of shrub (to 15 ft) near downtown Victoria. The catkins are long in late Jan or in Feb. This one is early enjoying one heavy rainfall after another. I'm on higher ground so I'm cooler and wetter than sea level gardeners. This shrub will enjoy the extra rain.

It may act like a rhodo in summer and grow very little. So it's not like growing a giant conifer.

Here is a link that might be useful: Silk Tassel Bush