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Frangula californica 'Leatherleaf' (Leatherleaf Coffeeberry) - This selection of the California native Coffeeberry is an evergreen shrub that is more compact than the species but can still grow to be a large mound to 8 feet tall and wide, though is more often seen to 5 to 6 feet. The 3-inch-long leaves borne along reddish stems are a darker green than other cultivars and have margins rolled under, giving it a distinctive leathery look more like that of a Rhododendron. As with the species, the inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers that are followed by showy berries that are first green then red and finally black when ripe.
A hardy fast-growing shrub that can grow in most soils, but does best in a sandy soil - more of a challenge in heavier soils and away from the coast. Grows in sun or light shade and is drought tolerant. Cold hardy to 5° F and possibly a bit colder. A great plant for the background of the garden and where a plant is needed that will tolerate both sun and shade. Its dark foliage makes a great foil to lighter green or gray colored plants.
Frangula californica 'Leatherleaf' was introduced by the UC Berkeley Botanic Garden from a selection made by Roger Raiche from Montara Mountain on a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains near San Mateo. For more information on the species see our Frangula californica listing. We also grow the cultivars 'Eve Case' and 'Mound San Bruno'.
Though we have long listed this plant as a cultivar of Rhamnus californica, recent nomenclatural changes have given rise to a name change for this species to Frangula californica - for more information about this name change and also about why we list this plant as being poisonous, see our main listing for Frangula [Rhamnus] californica.
The information displayed on this page about Frangula californica 'Leatherleaf' is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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