Scientific Family
Rhamnaceae
Synonyms
Rhamnus crocea ssp. ilicifolia, Rhamnus crocea var. ilicifolia
Other common names
redberry buckthorn
hollyleaf redberry
Plant type
Shrubs
Riparian
No
Plant Description
Origin
Native
A spreading, multi-branched, dense, slow growing shrub or small tree with holly-like leaves and bright red fruit
Leaves are alternate, evergreen, bright green, stemmed, rounded, narrower at their base, undulating, toothed, hairless, often notched at the apex; flowers generally unisexual, petals absent, flower parts in 4s (mostly); round, red berry-like fruits.
Height
10 feet
Width
5 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Found on dry slopes, in canyons and on open hillsides.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Montane Conifer Forest
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Low elevation
3000
High elevation
7000
Leaves
Leaf color
Bright green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
Yes
Leaf Drop
Evergreen
Shiny, paler beneath, holly-like, oval to nearly round, spiny, wavy margins, leathery to 1-1/2 inches long.
Flowers
Flower color
Greenish-yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
May
Flowers without petals, 4 greenish-yellow triangular sepals, clusters of 1 to 10 stemmed flowers found in leaf axils.
Flower clusters
Rounded
Fruit
Fruit color
Red
Fruit type
Berry-like
Bright red, 1/4 inch diameter juicy fruits in the fall.