1. * Cascara – Frangula (Rhamnus) purshiana
(FRANG-yoo-luh pur-shee-AH-nuh)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: Northwestern U.S. from British Columbia to northern CA; moist soils in open areas, along
roadsides and stream banks, and in understory of coniferous and mixed evergreen forests.
Growth characteristics: large woody shrub/tree
mature height:15-30 ft. mature width:15-30 ft.
Evergreen large shrub or tree with simple leaves that are shiny green on top, paler below. Usually
grows as an erect shrub with a short trunk and multiple stout, upright branches.
Bark is yellowbrown to silvery gray. Dried bark is used to make a laxative. Handle all plant parts with gloves
and avoid prolonged exposure – large doses toxic.
Blooms in late spring. Flowers yellow-green, small.
Showy fruits ripen in
summer/early fall. Fruit is a small drupe (berry) similar to Coffee Berry: ¼ to ½ inch diameter, in
clusters, color progressing from green to red to a ripe dark purple.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Often included in gardens for its habitat value. Makes a nice small ornamental
tree in shady, wet areas of the garden. Useful as an evergreen background shrub. Can be trimmed
into a hedge/hedgerow plant or narrow screen.
Gray bark is very attractive. Dried bark & dried
berries used for green and yellow dyes – let age before handling and heat out-of-doors.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native large shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides dense cover, nesting sites and fruits. Good bee plant.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Part-shade is best.
Most local soils except very alkali (pH > 8.2).
Likes moist soils – Water Zone 2-3 to 3 (regular water).
Leaf litter or bark mulch usually sufficient; tolerates ½ strength fertilizer.
Use an organic mulch.
Prune to shape, beginning the first year.
spring, during growth season.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: cold/moist treatment
Hedged plants need yearly pruning in
by cuttings: likely yes, summer/fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 13, 16, 38
11/1/12
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