Origin
Frangula californica (Eschsch.) Gray ssp. ursina (Greene) Kartesz & Gandhi, commonly known as California coffeeberry, is a shrub species native to California, in the United States. It is also found in the western regions of Arizona, Nevada, and Oregon. It grows mostly in chaparral, coastal scrub, and oak woodland habitats.
Common Names
Aside from California coffeeberry, Frangula californica goes by several other common names. These include bearberry coffeeberry, mountain coffeeberry, and canyon coffeeberry.
Uses
The California Native Americans used the leaves of the Frangula californica plant to make tea, and the fruits to make a beverage, both of which served as a natural laxative. The bark was also used to create a red dye for fabrics. Today, certain species of butterflies and moths feed on the plant's leaves and insects such as the coffeeberry bug (Chilocorus stigma) use the plant as a habitat.
The plant's ornamental qualities make it an attractive choice for landscaping. It is relatively low maintenance and drought-tolerant, making it a popular choice for drought-resistant gardens and xeriscaping. In addition, its dense and bushy growth habit makes it useful for erosion control.
General Appearance
Frangula californica is an evergreen shrub that can grow anywhere from 3 to 20 feet tall and wide, depending on the growth conditions. The plant's leaves are simple, leathery, and deep green in color, with a glossy surface. The plant produces clusters of small flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer. This is followed by the production of small, round, and black colored fruit which persists on the plant well into winter. The bark of the plant is smooth and grayish-brown in color, with a mottled appearance.
Light Requirements
Frangula californica ssp. ursina prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can grow in heavily shaded areas; however, it will not produce as many flowers or fruits in shady conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Frangula californica ssp. ursina is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 9, where the average annual temperature ranges from -10°F to 30°F (-23°C to -1°C).
Soil Requirements
Frangula californica ssp. ursina prefers well-draining soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in a range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it prefers soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of dry conditions but prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods of Frangula californica ssp. ursina
Frangula californica ssp. ursina is a woody shrub that is native to the coastal regions of California. It is also known as the bearberry or Santa Cruz buckthorn. The plant grows best in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
The shrub can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. For seeds, sow them in a tray or container with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place them in a shaded area. Once the seedlings have grown to about 3 inches, they can be transplanted to a bigger container or directly into the ground. For cuttings, take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in moist soil or a rooting hormone.
Watering Needs of Frangula californica ssp. ursina
Frangula californica ssp. ursina is a drought-tolerant plant, but it still needs regular watering especially during the growing season. Deep watering once or twice a week is enough for the plant to thrive. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering as it can encourage the growth of fungal diseases.
Fertilization of Frangula californica ssp. ursina
Frangula californica ssp. ursina does not require too much fertilizer. In fact, too much of it can lead to excessive growth and weak stems. A slow-release fertilizer applied during the early spring is enough to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant. Additionally, adding a layer of compost around the base of the plant can improve the soil quality and nutrient uptake.
Pruning of Frangula californica ssp. ursina
Frangula californica ssp. ursina requires minimal pruning. However, pruning can be done to maintain the desired shape and size of the plant. It is best done during the late winter or early spring when the plant is still dormant. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. You can also prune for aesthetic purposes by shaping the plant or removing overcrowded branches.
Propagation of Frangula californica ssp. ursina
Frangula californica ssp. ursina is generally propagated through seeds or cuttings. Several methods can be used to propagate this plant, and each method has its advantages depending on the gardener's needs and skills.
Propagation through seeds
The seeds of Frangula californica ssp. ursina must be stratified to ensure successful germination. This involves exposing the seeds to cold temperatures for several weeks, which mimics the natural conditions that the seeds experience in their native environment. The seeds are typically stratified in the refrigerator or outside during winter, then planted in a well-draining soil mix in early spring.
It is important to note that Frangula californica ssp. ursina has very low germination rates, and it may take several months for the seedlings to appear. Patience and careful monitoring of the seeds' conditions are key to successfully propagating this plant through seeds.
Propagation through cuttings
Frangula californica ssp. ursina can also be propagated through softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. To take cuttings, choose healthy, young stems and cut them at an angle below a node (the point where a leaf is attached to the stem). Remove any leaves from the lower two-thirds of the cutting, leaving only two or three at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting moist and in a shaded area to prevent wilting.
It is important to note that not all cuttings will successfully root, so it is best to take several cuttings at once. One advantage of propagating Frangula californica ssp. ursina through cuttings is that the resulting plants will be genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Frangula californica ssp. ursina is relatively resistant to diseases, but it can still be susceptible to fungal pathogens such as Phytophthora ramorum. This pathogen can cause sudden oak death, a disease that affects a wide range of trees, shrubs, and other plants, including Frangula californica.
To manage this disease, it is important to practice proper sanitation and avoid planting Frangula californica in areas where the pathogen is known to occur. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed, and any tools used on them should be disinfected with a solution of 10% bleach and 90% water. Fungicides can also be used preventatively, but they are not always effective and should not be relied upon as the sole means of disease management.
Pest Management
Frangula californica ssp. ursina can be susceptible to a few different pests, including spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Spider mites can cause leaf bronzing and damage to the foliage, while aphids and scale insects can both cause leaf distortion and feeding damage.
To manage these pests, it is important to regularly inspect plants for signs of infestation. If pests are present, they can often be removed by spraying the plant with a strong stream of water or by using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. In more severe cases, chemical pesticides may be necessary, but they should be used sparingly and only after other management strategies have been attempted.
