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Coffeeberry
Coffeeberry botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Coffeeberry

Frangula californica
In the United States: Native · also called California coffeeberry, California buckthorn

Honeybees forage on coffeeberry for nectar and some pollen from its small, clustered flowers during the late spring to early summer bloom period, providing a moderate resource when other early-season plants wane. Peak visitation occurs in May and June, supporting colony buildup without generating significant surplus honey. This adaptable shrub thrives in well-drained soils and requires minimal pruning to promote dense growth and repeated fruiting, though it can be browsed by deer in open areas.

Nectarmedium
Pollenlow
Bloom (US) April–July
Duration~3 months
TypePerennial
Sunpartial
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