Frangula purshiana, commonly known as Cascara or Cascara Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, including regions from British Columbia to California, and extending eastward to western Montana. It typically grows to a height of 15-39 feet (4.5-12 meters) with a similar spread. Cascara Buckthorn has a rounded form with smooth, gray bark and oval, prominently veined leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are followed by small, purplish-black berries that are attractive to birds.

Cascara is valued for its adaptability to a range of conditions, including its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soils and is often found in riparian zones, forest understories, and along stream banks. In cultivation, it is used for naturalizing in woodland gardens, as a background plant in borders, or for erosion control on slopes. While it is not commonly used in urban settings, its wildlife value and ease of maintenance make it a suitable choice for rural and naturalized landscapes. Gardeners should note that the plant can be sensitive to drought and may require additional watering during dry periods. Cascara’s bark has been harvested for its medicinal properties as a laxative, but due to concerns about overharvesting, cultivation for medicinal use should be done responsibly. There are no significant disease or pest issues, but it is important to avoid overharvesting the bark to prevent harm to the plant.CC BY-SA 4.0