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.

Hollyleaf redberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhamnus ilicifolia

Last reviewed: November 2026

Hollyleaf redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NV, OR. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw small bees and flies.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Hollyleaf redberry, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Hollyleaf redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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.

Growing Hollyleaf redberry

Grow Hollyleaf redberry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 144 inches tall and spread 72 to 120 inches wide.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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