Frangula californica
Common name:
Coffeeberry
California Coffeeberry
California Buckthorn
Pronunciation:
FRANG-gew-la kal-i-for-NI-ka
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Genus:
Synonyms:
Rhamnus californica
Type:
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon:
Yes
- Evergreen shrubs, from low spreading to upright, sometimes a small tree, 4-8(20) ft (1.2-2.4(6) m) tall, often in rounded clumps. Buds naked, brown, 3 mm long. Leaves alternate, simple, 4-6 cm long, oblong-elliptical to oblong-ovate, usually a rounded base, margins finely serrate to entire, sometimes rolled under (revolute), dark green above, paler and smooth or pubescent below, pinnate venation, 8-12 vein pairs, lower veins rust colored; petiole 4-12 mm long. Flowers small, greenish, few per cluster. Fruit globose, 8 mm across, ripening from green to red then purple-black, contain 2 seeds which resemble the commercial coffee bean.
- Sun or shade. Not particular about soil, limited or no irrigation required, can be pruned and shaped.
- Hardy to USDA Zone 7 Native range from extreme southwestern Oregon southward along the coast and Coast Ranges to southwestern California. A shrub component of chaparral, woodland, and forest communities. Several subspecies are recognized.
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Several named selections available, including:
- 'Eve Case'- broad leaves, dense, 4-8 ft, large fruit.
- 'Seaview' - broad leaves, low growing, spreading, to 2 ft (0.6 m) tall.
- 'Mound San Bruno' - narrow leaves, to 6 ft tall and wide.
- Oregon State University campus: SW corner of the native plants area behind Peavy (near Driden Hall)
Click image to enlarge
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plant habit
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plant habit, in a landscape
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leafy shoot
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leaves
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leaves
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leaves and young flower clusters
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flower cluster and leaves
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flower cluster and leaf
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leaves and young fruit
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ripening fruit
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fruiting plant habit, in woods
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unripe and ripe fruit
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trunks, bark
