California coffeeberry, also known as California buckthorn, is an excellent choice for drought-tolerant wildlife gardens.
This species can grow up to 15 feet tall and spread over 10 feet in width, making it ideal for filling large spaces.
The shiny evergreen leaves are a dark green when grown in the shade, and when given more sun, they are a lighter green. Both shades make for an attractive lush background.
In addition, the reddish-colored twigs and berries contrast beautifully with the foliage.
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This fast-growing native perennial blooms from late spring through early summer, attracting pollinators. The berries ripen in midsummer to early fall, providing native birds like towhees, robins, and thrashers with food.
In addition to being a suitable choice for growing in wildlife gardens, this native plant is also beneficial in restoring dry, steep hillsides by helping to control erosion.
With a dense growth habit, this species is easy to maintain with annual pruning, and it’s rather impressive in drought conditions.
Quite a few low-water native plants are flammable, but not California coffeeberry!
The Orange County Fire Authority suggests coffeeberries for arid landscapes because they can help slow encroaching fires, thanks to the plant’s dense growth and being less prone to burning. These plants are also quick to return after severe wildfires and will reestablish their pre-fire size in no time.
We can bring more harmony to ecosystems by adding native plants to our landscapes that support local wildlife and insect species while saving water during droughts and
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