Coffeeberry (Frangula californica) is a resilient evergreen shrub native to California and parts of the western United States. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a mid-story shrub in food forests, providing habitat and food for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. Its dense foliage offers excellent cover, while its berries are a crucial food source for birds, contributing to biodiversity. Coffeeberry is particularly valued for its ability to stabilize soil and improve microclimates when used as a hedge or windbreak. In traditional practices, it has been used by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties, particularly as a laxative. It is an excellent companion plant for nitrogen-fixing species like Ceanothus and can be paired with other native shrubs such as Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) to enhance ecosystem function.
Growing Details
Coffeeberry is best propagated from seed, which should be sown in the fall. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching with wood chips or leaf litter helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include Ceanothus and Toyon, which enhance biodiversity and soil health. Avoid overwatering, as Coffeeberry is drought-tolerant once established. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Harvest berries in late su
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Frangula californica</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to California and parts of the western
applicable geo region: Western North America
language used: en
Flowering:
middle
of April for 60 days
Harvest:
middle
of Jun for 90 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The berries can be used to make a mild coffee substitute after roasting, though they are not commonly consumed due to their low palatability.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the bark and leaves have been used by indigenous peoples for their laxative properties and to treat various ailments. The bark should be dried and aged before use to reduce potential irritation.
health concerns: Consumption of berries in large quantities may cause digestive discomfort due to their laxative effects.
other uses: The plant is effective for erosion control and serves as a habitat plant for wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in agroecological systems.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Frangula californica
common names: Coffeeberry; California coffeeberry
family: Rhamnaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Frangula
Growing Conditions
area needed: 1.5 m
spacing: 1.5 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 25ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 20ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 30ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(8/10)
first harvest: 2 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 4.0 m
max width: 3.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Coffeeberry is best propagated from seed, which should be sown in the fall. Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Mulching with wood chips or leaf litter helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants include Ceanothus and Toyon, which enhance biodiversity and soil health. Avoid overwatering, as Coffeeberry is drought-tolerant once established. Prune in late winter to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Harvest berries in late su
Potential Disturbances: Coffeeberry is generally pest-resistant but can occasionally be affected by aphids and scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to control aphid populations. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray for scale insects. Planting garlic or chives nearby can help repel pests.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
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