Coffeeberry California Coffeeberry California Buckthorn

You encounter California Buckthorn as an evergreen shrub with glossy, simple leaves and small black berries along coastal scrub and chaparral from Oregon south through California. This native's persistent fruit provides wildlife food when deciduous species cannot.

California Buckthorn reaches 8-20 feet tall in sun to part shade with moderate water needs and adaptable soil tolerance (zones 8a-9b). It thrives on well-drained sites and tolerates poor fertility. Moderate growth rate suits screening and wildlife habitat plantings. Watch for occasional cankers, leaf spots, and crown rot in overly wet conditions. No serious insect pests documented in regional literature. Minimal pruning required; shape naturally.