Origin
The Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina (Greene) J.O. Sayer, commonly known as the Bear Mountain coffeeberry, is a shrub species native to the United States. It is mainly found in the coastal mountain ranges of California, from Monterey County down to San Diego County.
Common Names
Aside from being called Bear Mountain coffeeberry, this plant is also commonly known as the Hoary coffeeberry, Woolly coffeeberry, and Mountain coffeeberry.
Uses
The Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina has several uses. Historically, native people have used the plant to make tea, medicine, and baskets. The plant's berries were also used for food, as it is edible but not commonly eaten today. This plant is also used for landscaping purposes due to its beautiful appearance and ability to withstand drought and erosion. Furthermore, it is also suitable for restoration purposes, particularly in areas with poor soil conditions as it improves soil aeration and fertility.
General Appearance
The Bear Mountain coffeeberry is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can grow up to six feet tall and wide. It has a bushy habit and produces multiple stems from the base of the plant. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and leathery, with a notable display of light gray to white hairiness on the underside. Small, white flowers bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer, followed by small, rounded, red to black berries that ripen in the fall and persist through the winter.
Light Requirements
The Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina (Greene) J.O. Sayer typically grows in full sun or partial shade. However, it can tolerate some shade but may not produce as much fruit or flower as those plants growing in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
The Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina (Greene) J.O. Sayer prefers to grow in moderate temperatures. It can withstand temperatures of up to 100°F (38°C) and as low as 20°F (-6°C). However, it cannot tolerate prolonged periods of frost. The plant is suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9.
Soil Requirements
The Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina (Greene) J.O. Sayer prefers well-drained soils, rich in humus. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, and sandy soils as long as sufficient drainage is provided. The plant is tolerant of slightly alkaline soils but thrives better in slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0-7.5).
Cultivation Methods for Rhamnus Tomentella Benth. ssp. Ursina
Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina or the bearberry coffee is an evergreen shrub that is native to North America. It thrives in areas with full sun or partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions from loamy to sandy to clay soils. It is essential to plant the shrub in well-draining soil to prevent root rot. The best time to plant is during spring or fall when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs for Rhamnus Tomentella Benth. ssp. Ursina
Initially, after planting, it is crucial to keep the soil moist to encourage root growth. Water the shrub once a week and increase watering during hot, dry periods. Once the roots establish, the shrub becomes drought-tolerant and requires occasional watering during extended dry periods.
Fertilization for Rhamnus Tomentella Benth. ssp. Ursina
Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina is a light to moderate feeder and does not require excessive fertilization. Introducing compost into the soil before planting will provide sufficient nutrients for the shrub. Fertilize the plant once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer during spring or fall. Ensure the fertilizer does not contain excessive nitrogen as it can stunt growth and cause leaf discoloration.
Pruning Rhamnus Tomentella Benth. ssp. Ursina
Prune the shrub once a year during late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina has a slow growth rate and does not require vigorous pruning. Remove dead, damaged and diseased branches, and use the opportunity to shape the shrub to enhance its aesthetic appeal. Avoid pruning during summer as it can stimulate new growth that is susceptible to sunburn and frost damage.
Propagation of Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina (Greene) J.O. Sayer
Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina (Greene) J.O. Sayer, also known as Bearberry buckthorn, is a plant species that is native to California, specifically in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is a shrub that typically grows from two to six feet tall and three to six feet wide. The plant has small, dark green, evergreen leaves and small flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The plant's fruit is a small, black, fleshy drupe that attracts birds and other wildlife.
Propagation of Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed propagation
Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina can be propagated from seeds that are harvested from ripe fruit in the fall. The seeds should be sown immediately in a fertile potting mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The seedlings should be kept well-watered and placed in a warm, sunny location. Germination typically takes place within three to eight weeks.
Cutting propagation
Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina can also be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer or early fall. Cuttings should be taken from stems that are semi-hardwood and about four to six inches in length. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cuttings in a potting mix that includes sand, peat moss, and perlite. Keep the cuttings moist and warm, and in about two to three months, the cuttings should root and be ready for transplanting.
Layering propagation
Rhamnus tomentella Benth. ssp. ursina can also be propagated through layering, which involves burying a portion of a stem in soil while it is still attached to the mother plant. To do this, select a flexible stem near the ground and bend it until it touches the soil. Make a shallow cut near the point where it will touch the soil, then cover this section with soil, leaving only the tip exposed. Keep the soil moist and in about six to twelve months, the layered stem should produce roots and be ready for transplanting.
Disease and Pest Management for Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina
Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina is a small, evergreen shrub native to California. Despite its hardiness and drought tolerance, it is not immune to diseases and pest infestations. Here are some common problems that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina is fungal leaf spot. This disease is characterized by small, dark spots on the leaves that eventually lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it is important to remove any infected leaves as soon as they are noticed and to avoid overhead watering. Keep the area around the plant clean and remove any fallen leaves or debris to prevent the spread of the fungus.
Another potential disease that can affect this plant is powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery substance on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is important to improve air circulation around the plant and to avoid overhead watering. Fungicidal sprays can also be used to control the disease.
Phytophthora root rot is another disease that can affect Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina. This disease is caused by a soil-borne pathogen and can be fatal for the plant. To manage this disease, avoid overwatering the plant and ensure that the soil is well-draining. Fungicidal sprays can also be used to control the disease.
Pests
Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina is susceptible to a few common pests, including spider mites and scale insects. Spider mites are tiny insects that can cause yellowing and browning of the leaves, while scale insects can cause wilting and dieback of the plant.
To manage spider mites and scale insects, it is important to regularly inspect the plant for signs of infestation. If an infestation is detected, the affected leaves or branches should be removed and the plant should be treated with a horticultural oil spray or insecticidal soap.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina beetle. These beetles feed on the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant. To manage this pest, it is important to handpick the beetles off the plant and to use organic insecticides if necessary.
Overall, by being vigilant and promptly addressing any diseases or pest infestations, Rhamnus tomentella Benth ssp. ursina can be kept healthy and thriving in the garden.
