California buckthorn
Frangula californica · Rhamnaceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around california buckthorn and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- California Buckthorn
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Type
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous to semi-evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Mature size
- 2 to 4 m in height × 1.5 to 3 m in width
- Hardiness
- Zones 8-10 (tolerance down to approximately -10°C)
- Origin
- Western United States (California)
Care
Sunlight
Install this shrub in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth and generous flowering. It tolerates sunny, dry situations well, typical of Mediterranean regions. Avoid overly shaded areas that slow its development.
Soil
Frangula californica prefers well-draining soil, ranging from dry to average. It adapts to poor, rocky, and even chalky soils. A substrate enriched with compost boosts initial vigor, but amendment is not essential once established.
Watering
Once established (after 1 to 2 years), this shrub is very drought-tolerant and requires little regular watering. Water moderately during the growing season and during prolonged dry spells. Avoid excess moisture, which can promote root problems.
Pruning and shape
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact, bushy form. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches in late winter. Occasional hard pruning rejuvenates the shrub if its base becomes too bare.
Fertilization
No fertilization is needed once the shrub is established in good soil. A spring application of compost on the surface is more than sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which stimulates foliage at the expense of flowering.
Health and pests
This shrub is generally robust and not very sensitive to major pests. In overly wet soil, watch for root rot. Good air circulation and drainage ensure natural prevention of most health problems.
Did you know?
California Buckthorn is a native shrub highly valued by California residents for its remarkable adaptation to arid conditions and its small red berries that turn black—berries once used as a food source by indigenous peoples. Its bark was also exploited for traditional purposes, earning it the nickname 'cascara' in North America.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Alder buckthornFrangula alnus
- BuckthornRhamnus alaternus
- JujubeZiziphus jujuba
- Indian jujubeZiziphus mauritiana
- BlueblossomCeanothus thyrsiflorus
- Feltleaf ceanothusCeanothus arboreus
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.