Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis is a native California shrub in the Rhamnaceae family, recognized by gray twigs and small clustered leaves on short-shoots.
Modoc buckthorn is a California native shrub found in the northern California Mountains and Modoc Plateau in montane forest and sagebrush steppe at elevations of 1,000 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces small white to cream-colored flowers clustered on short shoots. Growing with multiple stems that feature distinctive gray twigs, it forms a compact shrub up to 2 to 3 meters tall. Its leaves are clustered tightly on short branches, with narrow elliptic blades 15 to 40 millimeters long, glabrous or slightly hairy along the midrib and veins. The leaves have an acute base and a pointed tip, providing a delicate texture to the shrub's overall appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 7 sympatric species; key features are gray twigs and small clustered leaves on short-shoots
Habitat and range
Habitat: Montane forest, sagebrush steppe
Elevation: 1000-2200 m
Bloom period
Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis blooms Apr-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Heteromeles: Frangula has simple leaves and naked buds; Heteromeles has toothed leaves and scaly buds.; vs Prunus: Frangula berries turn from red to black; Prunus fruits are uniform colored when ripe.; vs Rhamnus: Frangula buds are naked (no scales); Rhamnus buds have protective scales.; vs Quercus: Frangula has opposite or alternate smooth leaves; Quercus has spiral lobed or toothed leaves.; vs Umbellularia: Frangula leaves lack strong aroma; Umbellularia leaves smell strongly spicy when crushed.
Frequently asked questions
Is Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis native to California?
Yes. Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis bloom?
Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis blooms Apr-Jun.
What plant family does Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis belong to?
Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis is in the Rhamnaceae family, genus Frangula.
What habitat does Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis grow in?
Frangula rubra subsp. modocensis grows in Montane forest, sagebrush steppe.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.