Rhamnus californica (Coffeeberry)

Photographs

My photos:

This plant was growing in the mist on Mt. Palomar in April.

Below, a branch with flower buds, at Holy Jim Canyon in May.

More photos:

click photo to enlarge

Plant Information

Rhamnaceae

In the garden:

This is an evergreen shrub which will grow to between 3 to 8 feet in height (15 feet). It’s form may either be upright and rounded or low and spreading. The bark of twigs is usually reddish. Leaves are dusty to dark green, measure about 4 inches in length, and are shiny above (color will vary beneath). It is capable of growing in shade, part shade, or full sun. Once established, this plant will need no care. Small fruit which have the appearance of coffee berries will develop in the summer; these berries will be green, black, or red when ripe. An excellent plant for foundation planting or as a specimen; also useful as a screen or background plant. It may be used as a hedge or in a shrubbery with Ceanothus spp. , Lilac or Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud. This shrub is not particular as to soil and it is tolerant of dry conditions. This plant is grown for it’s form and foliage, occasionally for show of it’s berry-like fruit. Near the ocean, it will tend to be broad and spreading; in woodlands or hills, it will be taller.

In the wild:

Sandy and rocky locales along the coast, hillsides and ravines farther inland, below 3500 feet (some subspecies may reach an elevation of 7700 feet).

Ethnobotany:

Field Trips
Anza Borrego Caspers Holy Jim Canyon Idyllwild
Joshua Tree Mt Palomar Rancho Santa Ana Torrey Pines

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