Coffeeberry

Coffeeberry

5 Gallon
$56.00
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Coffeeberry
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Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica, Frangula californica

A foundational California native for drought-tolerant screens, wildlife habitat, and shaded areas.

$56.00
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Description

Coffeeberry is a versatile and robust California native evergreen shrub that serves as a foundational plant in water-wise and habitat gardens. It grows into a large, dense mound of handsome, deep green foliage that provides an excellent backdrop for flowering plants. Incredibly adaptable, it thrives from full sun to deep shade and requires minimal water once established. Its nectar-rich flowers support pollinators, and its namesake berries—which resemble coffee beans—offer a long-lasting show of color and are a vital food source for many bird species.

  • Versatile Native Shrub: A large, dense, rounded shrub that can reach 6-10 feet tall and wide, serving as an excellent background, screen, or habitat thicket.

  • Superb Wildlife Plant: The small greenish flowers are a valuable early-season nectar source. The abundant berries, which ripen from green through red to a deep purplish-black, provide food for birds throughout summer and fall.

  • Extremely Drought & Shade Tolerant: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and uniquely adaptable, growing well in conditions ranging from full sun to full shade.

  • Low Maintenance & Ecological: Requires little to no pruning or supplemental fertilizer. It is a key plant for restoration projects, slope stabilization, and creating wildlife corridors.

  • California Garden Staple: An indispensable, carefree plant for native gardens, oak understories, and as a large informal hedge in both coastal and inland landscapes.

Quick Facts

  • Features:Foliage: Long-oval, leathery, and glossy leaves with a deep green color and subtly rolled-under margins.Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers.Fruit: Showy berries that change color as they ripen, starting green, then red, and finally maturing to a dark purplish-black, often with all colors present in a cluster.Habit: A robust, evergreen shrub with a dense, rounded form and attractive red-tinged young stems.
  • Mature Height: 6-10 ft.
  • Mature Width: 6-10 ft.
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Light Needs: Full sun to full shade (Highly adaptable)
  • Key Advantages:Exceptionally drought tolerant once established.Tolerates heat and a wide range of light conditions.Adaptable to various soil types, including clay.Provides food and habitat for birds and pollinators.Low maintenance and tidy habit
  • Landscape Uses: Native and wildlife gardens.Understory planting beneath oaks and other trees.Hedges and privacy screens.Slope stabilization and erosion control.Coastal gardens

Faqs

Q: Are the berries edible for humans?
A: While not considered dangerously toxic, the berries and other parts of the plant are mildly cathartic (laxative) and are not recommended for human consumption. They are best left as a food source for birds.

Q: What's the difference between the species and 'Leatherleaf'?
A: The straight species (Frangula californica) is generally larger (6-10 ft) and has slightly broader leaves. The 'Leatherleaf' selection (often 'Eve Case') is typically more compact (5-8 ft) and has narrower leaves with a more pronounced leathery texture and rolled margins. Both share similar cultural needs and benefits.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

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15 Gallon

15 Gallon

One of the most common larger landscape sizes for trees and shrubs. It offers noticeable height and fullness while still being practical for many residential planting projects.

Explore 15 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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