Rhamnus purshianus

Cascara Sagrada, Bearberry, Bitterbark

Their handsome foliage, berrylike fruits, and vigorous growth make them excellent shrub borders, tall screens, or hedges. Small clusters of flowers are inconspicuous. Easy to grow, the deciduous and evergreen types tolerate wind, heat, drought and garden water. Grows in most soils. Seeds spread by birds can be a nuisance. Start from seed sown in fall or from cuttings. Easily transplanted.

This rare shrub to small tree bears ½-inch coffee-flavored black fruit. Its bark is the source of the drug Cascara Sagrada, which is used as a laxative and to relieve arthritis.

Attributes - Rhamnus purshianus

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

Foliage: Deciduous

Height: 36 ft. to 70 ft.

Width: 60 ft.

Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial Sun

Climate: Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

Notes: Low Maintenance.

Related Plants

Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris'

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