Frangula californica subsp. tomentella

Common Names

Hoary Coffeeberry, California Buckthorn, Chaparral Coffeeberry, Coffeeberry, Serpentine Coffeeberry

Summary

Hoary coffeeberry is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to California’s chaparral and woodlands, with bluish-green, velvety leaves and an open growth habit. It reaches about 6.5–20 ft tall and 7–16 ft wide, bears small cream-colored flowers from January through April, and produces red to black drupes that attract birds.

In cultivation it prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, is drought-tolerant once established, and is used as an ornamental shrub, an informal hedge or screen, and for erosion control, while attracting bees and birds.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6-20 feet

Spread

6-13 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 7-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, dry, sandy or rocky soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Bloom Color

Cream, Yellow

Bloom Time

Winter and Spring

Foliage Color

Blue-grey

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color; evergreen.

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes, Butterflies: Yes, Other pollinators: Yes, Birds: Yes