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Hollyleaf redberry

Rhamnus ilicifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hollyleaf redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia)
Photo: (c) Eric in SF, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

72"–144" H × 72"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, NV, OR

Pollinators

small bees, flies

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Hollyleaf redberry is a dense evergreen shrub with spiny, holly-like leaves and inconspicuous greenish flowers followed by small red berries. It grows in dry chaparral and scrubland and holds a tidy, structured form.

Wildlife value

Small bees and flies visit the modest flowers, and the red berries are an important food source for birds through the dry season.

Common questions

How much sun does Hollyleaf redberry need?
Hollyleaf redberry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Hollyleaf redberry bloom?
Hollyleaf redberry blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Hollyleaf redberry native?
Hollyleaf redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hollyleaf redberry attract?
Hollyleaf redberry draws small bees and flies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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