Shrub- Coffeeberry
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Common Name: Coffeeberry
Botanical Name: Rhamnus californica
Family: Rhamnaceae
Description: Evergreen shrub, native from Oregon coast to Baja California and Arizona
Sun: full sun to moderate shade
Water: drought tolerant; minimal water after established
Soil: sandy loam to some clay, dry flats, moist slopes, ravines, and rocky ridges, usually at elevations below 5,500 feet
Habit and form: 3 to 15 feet by 8 feet wide; rapid grower with dark red branches; reddish tint on long dark green leaves; leaves curl under at edges
Flower type: clusters of green or white star shaped inconspicuous flowers turning to pea-sized red berries
Flower color and season of bloom: flowers in spring with berries from July through November; berries turn from green to red to black (where the name “coffeeberry” comes from)
Uses, if any, for plant and/or flowers: commonly seen as an understory plant below coastal oak scrubs and other small trees. Berries are useful as food for birds
Pruning time and method: minimal pruning removing dead, diseased and crossed branches
