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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