Leatherleaf Coffeeberry with small yellow flowers in a garden setting

Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

5 Gallon
$62.90
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Leatherleaf Coffeeberry with small yellow flowers in a garden setting
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Leatherleaf Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf'

A drought-tolerant, textural California native for lush, low-maintenance screens in sun or shade.

$62.90
Container sizeSize guide

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 Living Plants

Size, shape and branching naturally vary

Description

Leatherleaf Coffeeberry is a superb, low-maintenance California native evergreen shrub that excels as a lush, textural background or informal screen. It features handsome, elongated leaves with a distinctive leathery texture, glossy dark green tops, and rolled-under margins, creating a uniquely refined appearance. Fast-growing yet tidy, it forms a dense, rounded mound that is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and thrives in both sun and shade. Its subtle spring flowers attract pollinators, and the clusters of berries that transition from green to red to black provide seasonal interest and food for birds.

  • Handsome Leathery Foliage: Features elongated, glossy, dark green leaves with a thick, leathery texture and characteristically rolled-under margins.

  • Fast-Growing & Dense Habit: Grows quickly into a dense, rounded, and tidy shrub, typically reaching 5-8 feet tall and wide.

  • Exceptional Drought & Shade Tolerance: A champion of California-friendly gardens, thriving with little water once established and performing well in full sun to full shade.

  • Wildlife Habitat Value: The inconspicuous flowers are a nectar source for bees and butterflies. The showy berries (changing from red to black) are an important food source for birds.

  • Low Maintenance & Adaptable: Requires no pruning to maintain its attractive shape and is free of major pests or diseases. An ideal, carefree choice for naturalistic hedges, slopes, or under oaks.

Quick Facts

Processed facts

  • Mature height: 5-8 ft.
  • Mature spread: 5-8 ft.
  • Light: Full sun to full shade (Highly adaptable)

Needs confirmation

  • Features:Foliage: Long-oval, leathery, glossy, deep green leaves with elegantly rolled-under margins.Flowers: Small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers.Fruit: Ornamental berries that undergo a colorful transformation from green to red to a deep purplish-black, often displayed in multi-colored clusters.Habit: A dense, rounded, evergreen shrub with a tidy, compact form and attractive reddish young stems.
  • Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
  • Key Advantages:Excellent drought and heat tolerance once established.Thrives in sun or shade.Tidy, compact habit requires minimal pruning.Provides food for birds and pollinators.Very low maintenance and adaptable
  • Landscape Uses:Native and wildlife gardens.Understory planting beneath trees.Hedges and privacy screens.Slope stabilization.Coastal landscapes

Faqs

Q: How much water does it need once established?
A: It is extremely drought-tolerant. After the first year or two of establishment with regular watering, it can thrive on deep, infrequent irrigation or even no summer water in coastal areas, making it perfect for water-wise landscapes.

Q: Can it be used under native oaks?
A: Yes, it is an excellent understory plant for native oaks (like Coast Live Oak). Its low water needs in summer help prevent oak root fungus, and it tolerates the shade and root competition found under tree canopies.

📍 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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