Rhamnus (Frangula) californica ssp. tomentella

Common Name:
Hoary coffeeberry
Plant Type:
Evergreen shrub
Family:
Rhamnaceae (The Buckthorn Family)
Geographic Origin:
California
California Native?:
Yes

Plant Size:
6-10 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
hedges
Flowering Season:
Summer

Flower Color:
Green/Greenish
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Most soils

Suggested Irrigation:
Occasional to little watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 15 degrees F. or less

These plants grow as much as 15 feet tall, though usually half that figure, and are upright-arching to widely spreading in habit. The young stems are often reddish, developing attractive grey bark as they mature. They are lined by narrowly oval leaves, up to 4 inches long, often rolled under at the margins. Their upper surface is deep green, and grey with a dense coat of small hairs beneath. The flowers are small and greenish, and the large berries mature from red to black.