Mound San Bruno Coffeeberry (Frangula californica 'Mound San Bruno')

Mound San Bruno Coffeeberry

5 Gallon

$56.00

1/4

Mound San Bruno Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica 'Mound San Bruno'

A compact, fast-growing native shrub with glossy foliage, red stems, and wildlife-friendly berries.

$56.00

24-hour Money-back Guarantee

Free Delivery Over $199

+1 650-241-8858 (SMS ok)

Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Frangula californica 'Mound San Bruno' (syn. Rhamnus californica), commonly known as Mound San Bruno Coffeeberry, is a superior, compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense, rounded form and exceptional garden tolerance. A selected cultivar of the California native Coffeeberry, it features glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves with distinctive rolled-under margins and attractive red new stems . In fall, small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers appear, followed by clusters of small berries that ripen from green to red and finally to black-red, providing ornamental interest and wildlife value . With its naturally tidy, mounding habit and remarkable adaptability to a range of garden conditions, including clay soil, it is an outstanding choice for foundations, low hedges, screens, and native plant landscapes .

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped leaves with distinctive rolled-under margins; attractive red new stems; small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers in fall; clusters of small berries ripen from green to red to black-red .
Mature Height: 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m)
Mature Spread: 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m)
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-10 ; Sunset 3A-10, 14-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (tolerates both)
Core Benefits: Dense, compact rounded form, attractive glossy foliage, fast-growing, drought and clay tolerant, deer resistant, wildlife-friendly berries .
Best Uses: Foundation plantings, low hedges, privacy screens, understory planting, native gardens, coastal gardens, slopes, mass plantings .

Q: How large does 'Mound San Bruno' Coffeeberry get?
A: It is a compact, rounded shrub, typically reaching 4-6 feet in both height and spread at maturity . Its dense, tidy form makes it ideal for smaller gardens and foundation plantings.

Q: How is 'Mound San Bruno' different from other Coffeeberry varieties?
A: This cultivar is selected specifically for its dense, rounded, mounding habit and exceptional tolerance to garden conditions, including clay soils . It is more compact and predictable than the species, making it better suited for formal landscapes.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It is highly adaptable, thriving in full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for planting under native oaks or in other shady locations, as well as in sunny borders .

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water, even in dry climates .

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, Coffeeberry is generally resistant to deer browsing , making it an excellent choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.

Q: Does it produce berries?
A: Yes, the small clusters of berries ripen from green to red to black-red in fall and winter . They are an important food source for birds and other wildlife .

Q: Is it tolerant of clay soil?
A: Yes, this cultivar is noted for its exceptional tolerance to garden conditions, including heavy clay soils , which sets it apart from many other California natives .