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    • Photo of Frangula purshiana foliage by Jesse Taylor

    Photo by Jesse Taylor

    This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

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    Frangula purshiana

    Also Known As

    • Rhamnus purshiana
    • Bearberry
    • Cascara
    • Cascara Buckthorn

    Plant type

    shrub

    size

    • H: 20'-50'
    • W: 15'-40'

    planting zones

    • 6a-9b

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    Frangula purshiana plant details

    Frangula purshiana is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring cream and white flowers emerge followed by black and red fruit. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Frangula purshiana

    Plant type: shrub
    Plant family: rhamnaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 15 FT - 40 FT - wide, 20 FT - 50 FT - tall
    Flowers: cream and white blooms in spring
    Uses: bare root shipping available, hedge

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Frangula purshiana

    USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: regular
    Soil needs: average and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    A pretty tree/shrub to 15-30' which is native to the western United States. Prominently veined, dark-green leathery leaves which turn rich yellow in fall, peeling bark and red-turning-black fruits all add to the beauty. Historically used for its medicinal value as a laxative, it is now valued for its ornamental qualities as well. The fruit is edible, but does have a mild laxative effect; avoid chewing the bark as it is so bitter the flavor will remain in your mouth for hours. S-PSh/M

    By: Forestfarm

    Gardening facts about Frangula purshiana plant

    How to Grow Frangula purshiana

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • regular

    • Water Needs

      • dry in summer

    • Soil Needs

      • average
      • well-drained

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • white
      • cream

    • Wildlife

      • birds

    • Fruit

      • red
      • black

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    See other plant types of Frangula for your garden

    Frangula californica

    aka Rhamnus californica, California Buckthorn, California Coffeeberry

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    7a-9b

    Size

    Height: 5'

    Width: 5'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Frangula californica flower, foliage by Evangele19
    View Plant

    Frangula californica ssp. tomentella

    aka Rhamnus californica ssp. tomentella, Rhamnus californica ssp. tomentella, Rhamnus tomentella, Coffeeberry, Hoary Coffeeberry

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    7a-11

    Size

    Height: 6'-8'

    Width: 6'-8'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Frangula californica ssp. tomentella foliage by Cistus Nursery
    View Plant

    Frangula californica 'Eve Case'

    aka Rhamnus californica 'Eve Case', Eve Case Italian Buckthorn

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    7b-10b

    Size

    Height: 6'-10'

    Width: 6'-10'

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Frangula californica 'Eve Case' foliage by Cistus Nursery
    View Plant

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    Frangula californica 'Mound San Bruno'

    aka Frangula 'Mound San Bruno', Rhamnus californica 'Mound San Bruno', Mound San Bruno Coffeeberry, San Bruno Coffeeberry

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    8a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-6'

    Width: 3'-6'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • regular - drought tolerant
    • dry in summer
    Photo of Frangula californica 'Mound San Bruno' flower by Forestfarm
    View Plant

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    Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams' PP14791

    aka Rhamnus asplenifolia 'Fine Line', Rhamnus frangula 'Asplenifolia', Rhamnus frangula 'Fine Line', Rhamnus frangula 'Ron Williams', Asplenifolia Alder Buckthorn, Cutleaf Buckthorn

    Plant Type

    Shrub

    Zones

    3a-9b

    Size

    Height: 6'-10'

    Width: 3'-10'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • regular - drought tolerant
    Photo of Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams' PP14791 foliage, form by Danger Garden
    View Plant

    More Options

    +12 more Frangula
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