Holly-leaf Buckthorn
Rhamnus ilicifolia
Care
full sun, part shade
very low
Fast, Medium; Tolerates a variety of soils but prefers rocky well-drained soil.
1–9ft tall , 3–9ft wide
Jan-Dec
Evergreen
Friendly
Oak woodland and chaparral of the Sierra Nevada foothills and Coast Ranges from Kern to Shasta County, 500-4000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant your Hollyleaf Buckthorn in full sun or part shade, choosing a spot with fast-draining or medium soil - ideally rocky ground or a slope. If your soil isn't naturally rocky, add plenty of rocks around the planting area to improve drainage. Part shade is especially helpful if you live in a drier part of the Bay Area. Plant in fall or winter to give roots time to establish before summer heat.
After Planting
Water monthly or less during the first summer after planting; once established (typically by year two), stop supplementary watering entirely and let this plant thrive on rainfall alone. The #1 mistake is overwatering - this is a drought-adapted shrub that rots in wet soil. If you can position it near a naturally moist area like a rain gully or where water from irrigated plants nearby can reach it, that's ideal. Expect bright red berries in spring and steady growth toward 3 feet tall within two years under good conditions; no pruning is necessary unless you want to shape it as a hedge.
Visit Calscape for more information about Holly-leaf Buckthorn
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Species of Special Concern
Brush rabbit is a Species of Special Concern
California Species of Special Concern
Wildlife Supported
Birds
forages on drupes during fall migration and winter
resident bird utilizing fruit throughout year, especially winter months
caches and consumes drupes in fall and winter
forages on ripened drupes in autumn
browses evergreen foliage and uses dense shrub for shelter
Mammals
browses leaves and twigs throughout year; important winter browse in chaparral
browses leaves and twigs; uses dense shrub for shelter and nesting cover
browses leaves and tender shoots; uses shrub for escape cover