Plant Highlights

The California bockthorn, or coffeberry plant, due to its similarity in seed structure to a coffee bean, is native to all of California and Southern Oregon. Sub-species tomentella grows at higher elevations than sub- species (it can be found up to 7500 ft) californica and is distinguished by its fine hairs on the underside of the leaves giving it a velvety texture. This evergreen shrub has dark red bark with long, dark, and dull green leaves. The small white and green flowers grow in clusters from 5-60 in a bunch.The small berries turn red, then purple, then black as spring progresses. Birds will flock to this shrub to feast on the berries in fall. Pollinators equally enjoy the flowers.