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(Frangula californica subsp. tomentella)
Hoary Coffeeberry (Frangula californica subsp. tomentella)
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Millie Basden
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Millie Basden
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Millie Basden | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Millie Basden | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-07-23T11:55:54-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Frangula californica subsp. tomentella, commonly known as Hoary Coffeeberry, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to California’s chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions, as well as woodlands in the California, the Southwestern USA, and Baja California in Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet (3-6.1 meters) and a width of 7-13 feet (2.1-4 meters). The plant features leathery leaves with a fuzzy, grayish underside, giving it the ’hoary’ descriptor. It produces inconspicuous cream, green, and yellow flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by attractive red to black berries that are favored by birds and other wildlife.
Hoary Coffeeberry is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and the year-round visual interest it provides through its foliage and berries. It is commonly used in native plant gardens, as a hedge or screen, and in restoration projects. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soils, although it is adaptable to various soil types. While it is drought-tolerant once established, moderate watering can encourage more lush growth. It is rarely affected by pests or diseases, making it a resilient choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Hoary Coffeeberry is valued for its drought tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and the year-round visual interest it provides through its foliage and berries. It is commonly used in native plant gardens, as a hedge or screen, and in restoration projects. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-draining soils, although it is adaptable to various soil types. While it is drought-tolerant once established, moderate watering can encourage more lush growth. It is rarely affected by pests or diseases, making it a resilient choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Width: 7-13 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, Green, Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
native to California’s chaparral and coastal sage scrub regions, as well as woodlands in the California, the Southwestern USA, and Baja California in Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: California Buckthorn
Scientific Names: , Frangula californica subsp. tomentella, Frangula californica var. tomentella, Rhamnus tomentella, Rhamnus tomentella subsp. tomentella, Rhamnus californica subsp. tomentella, Rhamnus californica var. tomentella, Frangula tomentella, Rhamnus purshiana var. tomentella,
GBIF Accepted Name: Frangula californica subsp. tomentella (Benth.) Kartesz & Gandhi