Q frangula californica

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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. Growth characteristics: 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). Blooms/fruits: 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. 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. Attracts: Excellent bird and insect habitat. Dense foliage for cover. Berries attract foraging and nesting songbirds: Mockingbirds, Quail, Thrushes, Robins, Finches, Towhees, Thrashers and Jays. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun to part shade. Soil Rocky or sandy best, but fine in well-drained soils if not over-watered. pH: 5.0-8.0. Water Best with occasional summer water (Zone 2); quite drought tolerant. Fertilizer No Other 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 © Project SOUND

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Page 1: Q frangula californica

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.

Growth characteristics: 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).

Blooms/fruits: 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.

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.

Attracts: Excellent bird and insect habitat. Dense foliage for cover. Berries attract foraging and nesting songbirds: Mockingbirds, Quail, Thrushes, Robins, Finches, Towhees, Thrashers and Jays.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part shade.

Soil Rocky or sandy best, but fine in well-drained soils if not over-watered. pH: 5.0-8.0.

Water Best with occasional summer water (Zone 2); quite drought tolerant.

Fertilizer No

Other

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 © Project SOUND

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Frangula california California coffeeberry

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