Photo of Frangula rubra fruit by Dcrjsr

Photo by Dcrjsr

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Buy Frangula rubra

Also Known As

  • Sierra Coffeeberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 4'-8'
  • W: 4'-8'

planting zones

  • 6a-10b

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $19.95

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Frangula rubra plant details

Frangula rubra is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with green foliage. In spring green flowers emerge followed by black, purple and red fruit. Attracts bees, beneficial insects, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Frangula rubra

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rhamnaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: green blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Frangula rubra

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich, rocky and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This excellent western native becomes a spreading or rounded, 4-8' shrub with showy red to gray bark and twigs. Its pretty gray-green deciduous leaves can be smooth or finely toothed and they turn a brilliant bright-yellow in autumn. Spring brings umbels of small, greenish-white, star- shaped flowers. Fruit is a small but showy black drupe containing two seeds. Sierra coffeeberry is found growing in many habitats; from damp stoney slopes to forest and chaparral from eastern California to western Nevada. S/M

Gardening facts about Frangula rubra plant

How to Grow Frangula rubra

  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - dappled shade

Features

  • Flower Color

    • green
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
    • butterflies
  • Fruit

    • red
    • purple
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
    • semi-evergreen

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