Photo of Frangula californica ssp. tomentella foliage by Cistus Nursery

Photo by Cistus Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Frangula californica ssp. tomentella

Also Known As

  • Rhamnus californica ssp. tomentella
  • Rhamnus californica ssp. tomentella
  • Rhamnus tomentella
  • Coffeeberry
  • Hoary Coffeeberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'-8'
  • W: 6'-8'

planting zones

  • 7a-11

Frangula californica ssp. tomentella plant details

Frangula californica ssp. tomentella is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue foliage. In spring and summer cream, white and yellow flowers emerge followed by black, purple and red fruit. Features fuzzy and glossy texture. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, lean, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Frangula californica ssp. tomentella

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: rhamnaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: cream, white and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Frangula californica ssp. tomentella

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Soil needs: average, lean, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Like its sisters, this medium-tall shrub from the dry Sierra foothills would make a fine drought-resistant hedge; the downiness of its leaves (on mature plants) gives them a silvery look. S/M-D/GDr
Lovely variant of our native West Coast buckthorn from the Siskiyou mountains, eventually growing to 6-8 ft and evergreen with furry, silver-green leaves the texture and color of velour. For the summer dry garden with lean soil in half to full sun. Decorative berries, produced in the fall, are red, ripening to black, both colors existing side by side. Frost hardy to the bottom of USDA zone 8.

Gardening facts about Frangula californica ssp. tomentella plant

How to Grow Frangula californica ssp. tomentella

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • cream
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
    • purple
    • black
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
    • fuzzy

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