coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica

Family: Rhamnaceae.

Type: Evergreen shrub.

Branching: Alternate.

Leaves: Simple, long and elliptical. Margins are entire to slightly toothed. Dark green above and yellow-green on the underside, like spiny redberry. The leaves roll under slightly to form a cupped shape, most pronounced in the fall, and least pronounced at times of high moisture; wetter sites may have less cupping than drier sites.

Twig: Twigs are red.

Fruit & Flower: Not mentioned.

Miscellaneous: Note this plant is in the same genus as the spiny redberry. Found in a wide variety of habitats, from chaparral to woodland and forest. Coffeeberry is more shade-tolerant than spiny redberry.





All photos and text ©2008 Ben Haller. Permission is granted to use and reproduce these photos for any non-commercial or non-profit use as long as this original copyright notice is retained.