spiny redberry

Rhamnus crocea

Family: Rhamnaceae.

Type: Evergreen shrub.

Branching: Alternate.

Leaves: Small, shiny leaves that are simple. They are oval-shaped. Some leaves have very small spines on the margin, but this trait is quite variable. Dark green on the upper surface, yellow-green on the underside. In shady spots, leaves can be substantially larger with fewer teeth; the appearance of spiny redberry between different sites can be quite variable (the last four photos below are at a more shady spot).

Twig: Twigs are red to, in larger plants, dull gray. Some twigs get pointy towards the tip, almost like a spine, but this trait is variable. The red color is associated with drought tolerance (in general, not just in spiny redberry), so in shady, moist spots twigs will be less red.

Fruit & Flower: Not discussed, except to say that they may not, in fact, be red.

Miscellaneous: Found in chaparral and open woodlands, and sometimes into coastal scrub. Not shade-tolerant.