Overview
Frangula californica (Eschsch.) Gray ssp. tomentella (Benth.) Kartesz & Gandhi, also known as the woollyleaf buckthorn, is a plant species that is native to California in the United States. This plant belongs to the family Rhamnaceae, which is composed of approximately 50 genera and 950 species of shrubs, trees, and climbers distributed worldwide.Appearance
The woollyleaf buckthorn is a large evergreen shrub that can grow up to 6 meters tall. It has a dense and spreading canopy with a round to oval shape. The leaves are simple, smooth-edged, and measure about 5-10 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. They are dark green in color and have a velvety texture on the upper surface, while the lower surface is covered in fine, woolly hairs. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow, and grow in clusters at the tips of the branches. They bloom from February to April, depending on the location and climate. The fruit is a small black drupe that ripens from May to July.Common Names
The Frangula californica (Eschsch.) Gray ssp. tomentella (Benth.) Kartesz & Gandhi plant is commonly known as the Woollyleaf Buckthorn due to the presence of fine, woolly hairs on the leaf undersides.Uses
Traditionally, Native American tribes utilized woollyleaf buckthorn for medicinal purposes, namely as a purgative to treat constipation. Today, it also has some practical uses in landscaping and gardening, and it is commonly seen in parks and gardens due to its attractive appearance. Woollyleaf buckthorn is also an important food source for wildlife, especially birds, who feed on its fruit and seeds. It is also commonly grown for ornamental purposes, as it adds texture and complexity to the garden or landscape. However, it is important to note that the plant contains emodin, which can cause nausea, vomiting or kidney damage if ingested in large amount.Light Requirements
Frangula californica ssp. tomentella generally prefers full sun exposure for optimal growth and development. However, it can also tolerate partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species is native to the Mediterranean climate, and it prefers a temperature range of 20-30°C. It can withstand temperatures as low as -12°C, but it's important to provide some protection in colder regions.
Soil Requirements
Frangula californica ssp. tomentella thrives in well-drained soils with moderate to high fertility. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
Cultivation Method:
Frangula californica (Eschsch.) Gray ssp. tomentella (Benth.) Kartesz & Gandhi is a shrub that grows well in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It can tolerate dry soils, but regular watering during the first few growing seasons helps establish the plant. Frangula californica can grow up to 18 feet in height and 10 feet in width.
Watering Needs:
Frangula californica prefers well-drained soil and only needs occasional watering once it has been established. Young plants require regular watering to establish roots, but once established, they can usually survive drought conditions. It is essential to avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization:
Frangula californica does not require frequent fertilization. Applying a phosphorous-rich fertilizer in early spring is enough to provide enough nutrients for new growth. However, it is best not to fertilize native plants at all, as too much fertilizer can harm the plant and the soil.
Pruning:
Frangula californica benefits from pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming leggy. Regular pruning can also help remove damaged and dead branches, which can help prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning can be done in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins.
Propagation of Frangula Californica ssp. Tomentella
Frangula californica (Eschsch.) Gray ssp. tomentella (Benth.) Kartesz & Gandhi, commonly known as tomentella, is a shrub that can be propagated through several methods. Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones.
Seed Propagation
One of the most practical ways to propagate Frangula californica ssp. tomentella is through seed propagation. The seeds should be gathered during autumn or winter from the plant when the berries have turned black and are matured. After rinsing, scarification is essential to break the seed coat of the seeds so that water and air can enter the seed, allowing for germination. Following the scarification process, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight before planting. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil medium in a container and covered with a thin layer of soil. The container should be placed in an area with ample sunlight and watered regularly until the seeds germinate, which may take several months.
Cutting Propagation
Another method of propagating Frangula californica ssp. tomentella is through cutting propagation. Cuttings taken in the spring, summer, or fall should be approximately 6-inches long, preferably taken from healthy and vigorous shrubs. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone, then plant them in a well-draining soil medium. The container should be placed in an area with ample sunlight and watered regularly until the roots begin to develop, which may take several months. Once the cuttings have developed roots, they may be transferred to a larger container or planted directly into the ground.
Grafting Propagation
Grafting propagation of Frangula californica ssp. tomentella is another method of propagation. It involving combining two different plant parts, the scion (desired plant) and the rootstock (the receptor plant). Grafting is critical for preserving the characteristics of the parent plant, including disease resistance and fruit yield. The scion, taken from mature and strong plants, is grafted onto a rootstock taken from a disease-resistant plant, planted in a well-draining soil medium, and kept in a warm and humid place until growth occurs.
Overall, seed, cutting, and grafting are all effective propagation methods for Frangula californica ssp. tomentella, but each comes with its challenges. Using the appropriate method and giving the necessary care can help provide the best success in propagating this plant.
Disease and pest management for Frangula californica ssp. tomentella
Frangula californica ssp. tomentella, commonly known as woollyleaf coffeeberry, is a native California shrub that is relatively pest and disease resistant. However, certain pests and diseases might still affect the plant, and prompt management is necessary to keep them healthy.
Common diseases
One of the most common diseases affecting Frangula californica ssp. tomentella is powdery mildew. This fungal disease appears as a white or gray powdery coating on leaves and stems, causing them to curl and distort. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to prune and dispose of any infected plant parts and improve air circulation around the shrub. Spraying with neem oil or copper-based fungicides is also effective in controlling the disease.
Phytophthora root rot is another disease that could affect Frangula californica ssp. tomentella, especially in poorly drained or waterlogged soils. The disease causes root rot, yellowing, and wilting of leaves. To prevent Phytophthora root rot, avoid overwatering the shrub and provide proper drainage. Fungicides containing phosphorous acid can also aid in managing the disease.
Common pests
Fruit flies and spider mites are among the most common pest problems for Frangula californica ssp. tomentella. Fruit flies, also known as cherry fruit flies, lay eggs on the fruit, causing it to rot. To manage fruit flies, place sticky traps near the plant and remove any fallen or rotting fruits. Spider mites, on the other hand, feed on the leaves, causing a stippled appearance. A strong blast of water could dislodge the mites, or application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can also control the pest.
Scale insects could also infest Frangula californica ssp. tomentella, appearing as small bumps or shells on leaves and stems. The pest sucks the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. Pruning and disposal of heavily infested plant parts, and spraying with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, are effective in managing scale insects.
Regular monitoring of Frangula californica ssp. tomentella for signs of diseases and pests is crucial to prompt management and preventing the spread of the problems. When using pesticides or fungicides, always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully, and preferably use organic options to reduce harm to beneficial insects and the environment.
