Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

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.