How much sun does California buckthorn need?

California buckthorn grows best in part shade conditions.

When does California buckthorn bloom?

California buckthorn blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is California buckthorn native?

California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does California buckthorn attract?

California buckthorn draws bees and flies.

California buckthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhamnus purshiana

Last reviewed: October 2026

California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) is a perennial tree native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees and flies.

Toxicity unknown

California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

120"–360" H × 96"–180" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts

A small deciduous tree or large shrub with glossy, prominently veined oval leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish flowers followed by berries that ripen from red to purple-black. Grows in the moist understory of coniferous forest.

Growing California buckthorn

Grow California buckthorn in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 360 inches tall and spread 96 to 180 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies, and the berries are an important late-summer food source for a wide range of birds and mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does California buckthorn need?: California buckthorn grows best in part shade conditions.
When does California buckthorn bloom?: California buckthorn blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is California buckthorn native?: California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does California buckthorn attract?: California buckthorn draws bees and flies.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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