Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Hairyleaf Redberry (Rhamnus pilosa) is a relatively rare native shrub that grows in San Diego in the Peninsular Range, at elevations from 500 - 5000 feet. Most frequently it grows in rocky north facing slopes.

It's a striking plant, closely related to Rhamnus crocea, but with a more upright form, and leaves that are grey green in the winter and spring, with somewhat hairier leaves and stems than either Rhamnus crocea or Rhamnus ilicifolia. It produces a beautiful display of bright red berries in May and June. In the summer its leaves turn a darker green. It appears to grow in full sun and part shade.

Unfortunately, this plant is not carried in nurseries.

Plant type

Shrub

Size

5 ft Tall
2 - 4 ft Wide

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Evergreen

Fragrance

Slight

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow, Cream

Flowering season

Winter, Spring

Special uses

Bank stabilization, Hedge

Sun

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Water

Very Low, Low

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to -10 - 0° F

Soil drainage

Fast

Soil description

Rocky soils.

Propagation

By seed. 3 month cold stratification may help germination.

Sunset Zones

7, 14*, 15, 16*, 17*, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24*

Site type

Dry, rocky north facing slopes

Plant communities

Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 14 likely

Confirmed Likely

Polyphemus moth

Antheraea polyphemus

Euchlaena mollisaria

Common Eupithacia

Eupithecia miserulata

Tamarack Looper

Eupithecia misturata