Tuolumne Blooms - Foothill Field Guide
ShrubFire ResistantFoundation PlantNative

Coffeeberry

Frangula californica

Coffeeberry
Source: Unsplash
Representative Image

Local Verdict

"The reliable workhorse of the native garden. Tidy, evergreen, and blends with anything."

Difficulty
Growth RateModerate
LifespanLong

Overview

If you need a generic 'green bush' that supports ecology but doesn't look wild, Coffeeberry is the choice. Its leather leaves range from olive to emerald green, and it maintains a neat, rounded habit without much fuss.

The berries turn from green to red to black (resembling coffee beans), providing food for birds. It is exceptionally fire-resistant due to high moisture content in the leaves.

Growing Conditions

Sun Exposure

Sun or Shade

Water Needs

Low to Moderate

Soil Type

Adaptable to clay

Elevation

Up to 5,000 ft

Care Cheat Sheet

  • 01.

    Versatile Light: One of the few natives that thrives equally in sun or deep oak shade.

  • 02.

    Pruning Friendly: Takes pruning well; can be shaped or kept loose.

  • 03.

    Dust Resistant: Great roadside plant; handles dust and exhaust well.

Related Plants