Botanical Name: Rhamnus californica
Common Name: California coffeeberry Type of Plant: Dicot: shrub Habit of Growth: Overall Shape A potentially large shrub having variable growth; is fairly dense with a full rounded form in full sun, more open, rangy and wide-spreading in shaded habitats Height 4'-8' (10') Spread equal or more Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure prefers full sun near the coast, likes some shade at inland sites Soil tolerates most except alkaline pH soils Hardiness hardy (zones 4-24): thrives from sea level to 3000' elevation Morphology: Leaves pinnate, alternate, 1"-3" long, oblong-elliptic, with entire margins; upper surface is shiny, dark green; lower surface is dull green Flowers tiny, yellow-green, in small clusters; March-May Fruit a berry: green, turning red to black when ripe - showy Propagation: seed or semi-hardwood cuttings Usage: a good filler or background shrub for ‘connecting’ sunny locations with shaded areas in the garden; is valued for its glossy foliage and fairly showy fruit; use in woodlands, oriental, and Mediterranean-theme gardens Landscape Care: Watering tolerates regular if drainage is good; best if soaked occasionally during the summer (once every 10/14 days at inland sites) Fertilizing little needed unless if watered often Pruning selectively head back as needed to control size; do not shear Pests/Diseases relatively free; gets chlorosis when drainage is poor Special Conditions/Other Origin: Chaparral habitats in Southern and Central California Family: Rhamnaceae Notes: |
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