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Cascara Sagrada

Frangula purshiana

shrub View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade, full sun

Water

low

Soil

Fast, Medium, Slow, Standing; Quite adaptable to a wide variety of soil types.

Size

20–49ft tall , 12–12ft wide

Bloom

Mar-May

Foliage

Deciduous

Native Range

Northern California from Mendocino County to the Oregon border, typically 500-3000 ft elevation in mixed evergreen and riparian forest.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Cascara Sagrada in full sun or partial shade in fall or winter to take advantage of the rainy season. This native shrub is remarkably adaptable to different soil types and drainage conditions - whether your Bay Area garden has fast-draining, medium, slow, or even poorly-draining soil, it will establish. Space it 15-25 feet apart if you're planning for its mature size (20-49 feet tall), though it often grows as a large shrub rather than a tree.

After Planting

Water your Cascara weekly during its first summer, then taper off as it becomes established - by the second year, limit irrigation to 3 times per month or less during dry months. Once established, this is a low-water plant that needs minimal summer irrigation and will tolerate the cold Bay Area winters down to 0°F. Cascara is deciduous and will drop its leaves in winter, which is completely normal. The biggest mistake is overwatering: this plant prefers dry conditions once established, so err on the side of underwatering rather than keeping the soil constantly moist.

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