Buckthorn
Frangula californica
Rhamnus californica
Photographed along Sycamore Creek in the Pine Mountain Wilderness, Yavapai Co., Arizona. June 2009.
RANGE: California Buckthorn is more typical of higher, moister
elevations. In the Sonoran Desert it is rarely found in shady canyons mostly
above 900 m elevation. It is
common in chaparral, and moister canyons in juniper and pine woodlands through
much of the southwestern USA.
SHRUB of SMALL TREE: Evergreen shrub with leaves that may be shed
after extreme drought. In desert regions mostly from one to
three meters tall with multiple branches.
LEAVES: Elongate-oval, evergreen leaves resemble those of birch or
alder. Alternate on stems. The leaf margins are serrate, sometimes obscurly so,
and the whole leaf may curl if the plant is under drought conditions.
FRUIT: Small black berries with a couple of stony seeds.
UNARMED. Despite the name, this plant does not have thorns!
FLOWERS: Smallish cream to yellow flowers have four, pointed petals and
four stamens.