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.

Spiny redberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Rhamnus crocea

Last reviewed: September 2026

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Spiny redberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz