Leatherleaf Coffeeberry (Frangula californica 'Leatherleaf', formerly Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf') is a versatile evergreen shrub with a mounding form and leathery dark green foliage.
Leatherleaf Coffeeberry is a terrific option for creating a medium-tall hedge in more formal or traditional gardens. It is also a good California native alternative to Rhododendron, thanks to its similar-looking foliage.
While it works well as a background evergreen, 'Leatherleaf' 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 red tint.
'Leatherleaf' 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 attracts many pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. It is a host plant for many species of beautiful moths and butterflies.
Frangula/Rhamnus californica 'Leatherleaf' - Leatherleaf Coffeeberry
Optimal Growth Conditions
- Mature Height: 5 - 8 feet
- Mature Width: 5 - 8 feet
- Sun: Full Sun, Filtered Sun, Partial Sun
- 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: 'Leatherleaf' 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: Bank Stabilization, Hedge, Bird Gardens