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Cascara
Cascara botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Cascara

Frangula purshiana
In the United States: Native · also called Cascara sagrada, chittem

Honeybees visit cascara primarily for its abundant nectar, which supports early spring honey flows, and to a lesser extent for pollen. Peak bloom aligns with April to May in temperate climates, lasting several weeks and drawing foragers to the small greenish-white flowers. It thrives in moist, partially shaded woodlands and can be managed by pruning to control size or form, though it may attract deer browsing in exposed sites.

Nectarhigh
Pollenmedium
Bloom (US) April–June
Duration~30 days
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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