California Buckthorn

Scientific Name: Frangula californica (Eschsch.) A. Gray ssp. californica


Classification: Plantae/ Tracheobionta / Spermatophyta / Magnoliophyta / Magnoliopsida / Rosidae / Rhamnales / Rhamnaceae / Frangula Mill./ Frangula californica (Eschsch.) A. Gray ssp. californica

California Buckthorn
General Information
Usda SymbolFRCAC5
GroupDicot
Life CyclePerennial
Growth HabitsShrubTree,
Native LocationsFRCAC5

Plant Guide

Use a soil moisture meter to monitor the soil moisture where California Buckthorn is planted.

Plant Traits

Growth Requirements

Temperature, Minimum (°F)7
Adapted to Coarse Textured SoilsYes
Adapted to Fine Textured SoilsNo
Adapted to Medium Textured SoilsYes
Anaerobic ToleranceNone
CaCO3 ToleranceHigh
Cold Stratification RequiredNo
Drought ToleranceHigh
Fertility RequirementMedium
Fire ToleranceHigh
Frost Free Days, Minimum180
Hedge ToleranceHigh
Moisture UseMedium
pH, Maximum8.3
pH, Minimum6.0
Planting Density per Acre, Maxim2700
Planting Density per Acre, Minim1200
Precipitation, Maximum24
Precipitation, Minimum14
Root Depth, Minimum (inches)16
Salinity ToleranceLow
Shade ToleranceIntolerant


Morphology/Physiology

BloatNone
ToxicityNone
Resprout AbilityYes
Shape and OrientationSemi-Erect
Active Growth PeriodSpring and Summer
C:N RatioLow
Coppice PotentialNo
Fall ConspicuousNo
Fire ResistantNo
Flower ColorGreen
Flower ConspicuousNo
Foliage ColorGreen
Foliage Porosity SummerDense
Foliage Porosity WinterDense
Foliage TextureMedium
Fruit/Seed ConspicuousYes
Nitrogen FixationNone
Low Growing GrassNo
LifespanLong
Leaf RetentionYes
Known AllelopathNo
Height, Mature (feet)5.0
Height at 20 Years, Maximum (fee5
Growth RateRapid
Growth FormMultiple Stem
Fruit/Seed ColorWhite


Reproduction

Vegetative Spread RateModerate
Small GrainNo
Seedling VigorHigh
Seed Spread RateSlow
Fruit/Seed Period EndFall
Seed per Pound4000
Propagated by TubersNo
Propagated by SprigsNo
Propagated by SodNo
Propagated by SeedYes
Propagated by CormNo
Propagated by ContainerYes
Propagated by BulbNo
Propagated by Bare RootYes
Fruit/Seed PersistenceNo
Fruit/Seed Period BeginSummer
Fruit/Seed AbundanceMedium
Commercial AvailabilityRoutinely Available
Bloom PeriodMid Spring
Propagated by CuttingsNo


Suitability/Use

Veneer ProductNo
Pulpwood ProductNo
Protein PotentialLow
Post ProductNo
Palatable HumanNo
Palatable Graze AnimalLow
Palatable Browse AnimalLow
Nursery Stock ProductYes
Naval Store ProductNo
Lumber ProductNo
Fodder ProductNo
Christmas Tree ProductNo
Berry/Nut/Seed ProductNo

California Buckthorn

California Buckthorn

California Buckthorn

[Plant Index] [Site Map]