Name: California Coffeeberry

(Frangula californica)

Family: Buckthorn (Rhamnaceae)
Flowering Season: May and June
Notes: A native shrub, its ripe black berries can be eaten, but are of questionable flavor and can cause constipation. Its common name refers to the fact that the seeds resemble coffee beans. Grows to 12 feet.

California Coffeeberry (Frangula californica) by Gabi McLean

California Coffeeberry (Frangula californica) by Hartmut Wisch