Eve Case Coffeeberry (Frangula californica 'Eve Case', formerly Rhamnus californica 'Eve Case') is a versatile evergreen shrub with a mounding form and lush dark green foliage.
Eve Case Coffeeberry hedges are popular for California native gardens. It is a terrific option for creating a medium-tall hedge in more formal or traditionally styled spaces. Its leaves are somewhat leathery, though less so than the 'Leatherleaf' Coffeeberry selection.
The 'Eve Case' horticultural selection of Frangula californica was specially bred as a cultivar that could reap the many benefits of the species in a more manageable and compact shrub appropriate for smaller spaces.
Eve Case Coffeeberry is a medium-size shrub that typically grows 4 to 8 feet tall, usually staying more compact in diameter. Thanks to its compact size and dense growth habit, this particular selection is an especially good choice for pots and container hedges for privacy on patios and porches.
While it works well as a background evergreen, 'Eve Case' Coffeeberry still creates dynamic visual interest in the garden. As with the species, its flowers are greenish-yellow and inconspicuous, followed by attractive showy berries that ripen from green to red to black when finally ripe. On new growth, its stems have a slight red tint.
'Eve Case' Coffeeberry is a hardy, fast growing shrub that is drought tolerant. It can grow in most soils, but thrives in sandy, well-draining soil. It prefers sun or part shade near the coast, and part shade or shade when farther inland.
It attracts many pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. It is a host plant for many species of beautiful moths and butterflies.
Frangula/Rhamnus californica 'Eve Case' - Eve Case Coffeeberry
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 3 - 8 feet
- Mature Width: 3 - 5 feet
- Sun: Full Sun, Filtered Sun, Partial Shade
- Water: Very Low, Low
- Soil Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow
Geographic Appropriateness
- USDA Zone: Zones 7 - 10
- Sunset Zone: Zones 3A - 10, 14 - 24
- Native Sites: 'Eve Case' is a selected cultivar of the Coffeeberry, which is found in a wide variety of settings and habitats across California, including coastal strand, foothill woodland slopes, sage scrub flats, chaparral, evergreen forest in mountain areas, rocky outcrops, sandy areas, stream banks, pinyon-juniper woodland in desert transition, and creosote bush scrub in high desert.
Additional Landscaping Information
- Characteristics: Flowering, California Native, Drought Tolerant, Evergreen
- Special Uses: Containers, Bank Stabilization, Hedge, Bird Gardens