Coffeeberry

1 Gallon

$21.90

1/5

Coffeeberry

Rhamnus californica, Frangula californica

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

$21.90

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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.

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.

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.

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

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.