Holly-leaf redberry is a woody evergreen shrub native to western CA, AZ, NV and Baja CA. It grows 6-12 feet tall and wide, with holly-like leaves and gray bark. In spring it produces small yellow-green flowers and edible red berries in fall, providing habitat and food for birds and pollinators. The dense foliage makes it suitable for hedges, background plants or habitat. It is drought tolerant once established and adapts to most local soils and sun conditions with little need for water or fertilizer once established.

1. Holly-leaf redberry – Rhamnus ilicifolia (RAM-nus il-is-i-FO-lee-a)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: Much of western CA as well as AZ, NV and Baja CA. Locally in Santa Monica & San
Gabriel Mtns; mostly on dry slopes below 6000' in yellow pine forest and chaparral.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 6-12 ft. mature width: 6-15 ft.
Evergreen woody shrub or small tree with holly-like leaves that are medium to dark green. Shape is
rounded to irregular. Many stiff branches create a dense foliage. Gray bark. Very slow growing.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – usually Feb. to May at lower elevations. Flowers small, yellow-
green, in clusters that are almost unnoticeable except for the pollinators they attract. Plants are
either self-fertile female or true male or female (dioecious), so best to plant several for fruit. Fruit is
a red (ripens to dark red) berry that ripens in fall. Fruit edible, raw or cooked, in small quantities.
Uses in the garden: Dense foliage makes this plant good for foundation plants, background shrubs
or hedges/hedgerows. Takes well to pruning and shaping. Does well on dry slopes. Often planted
as habitat plant. Fruits can stain concrete. Hardy and adaptable. Fine under water-wise trees.
Native Californians use root/bark tea for colds, other & for skin sores. Smoke inhaled for headaches.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides nectar and pollen for spring pollinators (including
butterflies), cover and fruits for birds like Robins, Finches, Towhees and Jays.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (coast); part-shade to fairly shady elsewhere
Soil Most local soils (in wild, mostly in rocky or sandy); any local pH
Water Quite drought tolerant once established; Water Zone 1-2 (very occasional water)
Fertilizer Not needed, particularly if organic mulch is used.
Other Likes organic mulch – leaf or bark mulch.
Management: Prune to shape if desired. Very slow growing – takes 3-5 years to establish. Other
than that, not very demanding.
Propagation: from seed: cold/moist treat 1-2 months; smoke treat by cuttings: semi-soft, hard-
wood and by layering.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 10-14, 16, 20, 21, 24, 25, 28 12/18/14
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