Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database


Rhamnus purshiana (Cascara, Chittam)

 

Kingdom

 Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom

 Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision

 Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division

 Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class

 Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass

 Rosidae

Order

 Rhamnales

Family

 Rhamnaceae – Buckthorn family

Genus

 Frangula Mill. – buckthorn

Species

 Frangula purshiana (DC.) Cooper – Cascara buckthorn

This interesting deciduous tree makes a novel addition to the garden.

Found along the Pacific coast from BC to northern California, in USDA zones 7-9, Cascara favors moist locations such as riverbanks.

It often reaches 50’ but sometimes grows as a shrub to only 15.’

The dark green, glossy leaves are highly decorative and stand out against the small, green-white flowers that form in loose clusters.

Birds relish the cherry-like fruit but they are potentially toxic to humans and should be avoided.

In late autumn, the leaves turn a delicate yellow and persist through many a winter storm. The cured bark is used extensively as a potent laxative. This tree can be cut down close to the soil line and it usually will re-sprout and form a new tree.

     
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