1. Redberry Buckbrush – Rhamnus crocea
(RAM-nus CROW-see-uh)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: California and AZ to Baja; in CA, coastal mountain ranges from Napa south, including
Santa Monica Mtns. & San Gabriels. Dry washes and canyons in Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, Oak
Woodland and Mixed-evergreen Forest below 3000' elevation.
spreading woody shrub
mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width:4-6+ ft.
Evergreen shrub with many stiff gray branches, some tipped with thorns. Foliage may be dense or
more open; older plants often sprawling.
Leaves small, rounded, dark green and shiny (like its
cousin Ceanothus). Slow-growing when young. Inland forms taller than coast forms.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms in spring (Mar-Apr). Flowers are small, gold-green and not particularly
showy. Fruits ripen in summer, and are very showy. Fruits are pea-size, rough and bright red.
Fruiting may not occur every year – and best fruiting occurs on plants in their natural range.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes a good screen or hedge plant.
Also nice in mixed borders, where it will
tend to blend in except when fruiting. Fine for parkways, roadsides and fences. Good choice for dry
banks and slopes. Adds a touch of silver-green foliage to garden. Bark extract used as laxative.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Cotoneasters
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and berries for Pigeons, Jays, Robins, Mockingbirds,
Thrashers, Cedar Waxwings, Purple Finches.
Larval food plant for Pale Swallowtail.
Hummingbirds and other pollinators gather nectar.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Very adaptable; part-shade best in most situations. Full sun only in cool gardens,
and will also do fine in dry shade (for example, under oaks)
Any well-drained soil from sandy to clay; clays should be watered less often.
Drought tolerant; Zone 1 to 2 after established.
None required; organic mulches fine.
Management:
Prune as needed for health and to shape/control. Best pruned in fall.
Propagation: from seed: remove pulp; cold treatment for stored seeds. Fall/Winter
by cuttings: hardwood in winter; layering in spring.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 21
1/25/11
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