Rhamnus californica 'Mound San Bruno' syn. (Frangula californica) California Coffeeberry, Ca

Rhamnus californica 'Mound San Bruno'

syn. (Frangula californica) California Coffeeberry, California Buckthorn

An evergreen shrub that is native to California, South Western United States and Baja California. Commonly known as California Coffeberry, this long-living perennial is frequently found in communities of Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, and Oak Woodlands. It grows 3-5 feet tall and 8-12 feet wide, with branches that have a reddish tinge and dark green leaves that have a buff-colored underside. 'Mound San Bruno's flowers are not showy, but are an important nectar source for native Bees and Butterflies.

Rhamnus californica is a good choice for Wildlife gardens, habitat restoration and native landscaping. It produces plump ripe berries in the spring and summer. They start out as green, slowly change to red and then to a chocolate-brown in the fall. When ripe, the berries provide food to Robins, Mockingbirds, Jays, Thrushes, and Thrashers. As a moderate-sized shrub, ‘Mound San Bruno’ provides shelter to ground-dwelling birds such a California Quail.

'Mound San Bruno' in particular, is tolerant of a variety of soils and irrigation routines, making it a good candidate for planting in the home garden. It is remarkably adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, changing its overall shape in response to environmental conditions. In hot and dry regions, the leaves are smaller and thicker than those that are growing in cooler, wetter environments. It is cold hardy to 10-15° F, and the Sunset Climate Zones are 3a-190, 14-24, H1, H2. It has low-water needs once established and is mostly deer resistant.

We are growing Rhamunus californica 'Mound San Bruno' in 1 gallon containers. Follow us on Instagram @clearwatercolornursery and Facebook to stay current on what's happening around our nursery in the beautiful Los Osos Valley.