Kingdom Plantae Family Rhamnaceae Scientific name Rhamnus crocea Rank Species | Order Rosales Genus Rhamnus Higher classification Buckthorn | |
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Similar Buckthorn, Rhamnus ilicifolia, Rhamnaceae, Frangula californica, Prunus ilicifolia | ||
Spiny redberry rhamnus crocea san diego california
Rhamnus crocea, the spiny redberry, is a species of buckthorn. There are two subspecies: Rhamnus crocea subsp. crocea (redberry buckthorn) and Rhamnus crocea subsp. pilosa (hollyleaf buckthorn). It is native to California, Arizona, and Baja California.
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Description
This evergreen shrub, Rhamnus crocea, is typically one to two meters in height. R. crocea typically occurs in chaparral, with common flora associates being toyon and hollyleaf cherry.
Distribution
Rhamnus crocea covers two major mountain foothills. In California, it surrounds the entire San Joaquin Valley, the pacific coast ranges and the western foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. In Arizona, it is found in the entire length of the Mogollon Rim to the western region of the White Mountains.
Uses
The fruit of Rhamnus crocea was used as food by Native Americans in the Western United States. When eaten in large quantities, the berry is reported to impart a red tint to the entire body of the consumer.
