Spiny redberry
Rhamnus crocea
Last reviewed: October 2026
Spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NV, OR. It blooms in February, March, and April. The flowers draw bees.
Toxicity unknown
Spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea) 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
36"–96" H × 36"–96" W
Bloom
Feb, Mar, Apr
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, OR
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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
A dense spiny-leaved evergreen shrub with small inconspicuous yellow-green flowers followed by bright red berries. Tolerates dry rocky slopes and can be used as an informal barrier hedge.
Growing Spiny redberry
Grow Spiny redberry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Red berries are relished by birds, and the dense spiny structure offers cover and nesting sites.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spiny redberry need?
- Spiny redberry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spiny redberry bloom?
- Spiny redberry blooms in February, March, and April.
- Where is Spiny redberry native?
- Spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea) is native to AZ, CA, NV, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Spiny redberry attract?
- Spiny redberry draws bees.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Spiny redberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.