1. Coffeeberry – Frangula (Rhamnus) californica
(FRAN-gyou-luh ka-li-FOR-ni-ka)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: Western U.S. from S.W. OR to CA, NV, AZ. In CA, foothills of coastal ranges, Sierras &
desert mountains; open slopes and shaded canyons, Coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, woodlands,
forests and coastal strand below 3500' (to 6000'), usually in shade and frequently near streams.
woody shrub/small tree mature height: 6-10 ft. mature width: 6-10 ft.
Woody shrub, evergreen, growth pattern & shape very dependent on local conditions. Leaves shiny,
light green becoming darker green, often with rolled edges. Bark brown or reddish. Moderate to
rapid growth. Long life-span (100s of years in wild).
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in late spring (Apr-June). Flowers small, white, fairly inconspicuous. Juicy
berries ripen to orange/red and finally to black in August – October – quite showy against the green
foliage. Berries will stain concrete.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes a wonderful hedge, screen or include in a hedgerow. Excellent habitat
plant. Useful for erosion control on dry, steep hillsides. Beautiful foundation shrub, parkway or
border plant, particularly in areas that get partial sun. Cultivars: 'Mound San Bruno', 'Salt Point',
‘Leatherleaf’ & ‘Seaview’ are more low-growing; 'Eve Case', 'Bonita Linda' are garden-adapted.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs like Carissa, Cotoneaster, Ligustrum, Myoporum,
Oleander, Photinia,Pittosporum, Raphiolepis and Xylosma.
Excellent bird and insect habitat. Dense foliage for cover. Berries attract foraging and
nesting songbirds: Mockingbirds, Quail, Thrushes, Robins, Finches, Towhees, Thrashers and Jays.
Attracts:
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade.
Rocky or sandy best, but fine in well-drained soils if not over-watered. pH: 5.0-8.0.
Best with occasional summer water (Zone 2); quite drought tolerant.
No
Management:
Pretty easy.
Can prune, hedge or shape if desired. Fairly disease/pest free.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best; fairly easy
by cuttings: semi-softwood
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12-14, 16, 20-24
1/29/11
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