Rhamnus pirifolia
Island redberry
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda · licence
Family: Rhamnaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.2
Rhamnus pirifolia (Island redberry) is a native California shrub / tree in the Rhamnaceae family, recognized by but geographically isolated to Channel Islands; distinguished by tree form and purple twigs.
Island redberry is a native tree found in the Channel Islands in coastal-sage scrub and chaparral at elevations of 10 to 520 meters. Flowering from January to April, this small tree produces subtle greenish flowers in clusters of 1 to 6 blossoms. Growing to less than 10 meters tall with ascending branches and distinctive purple twigs, it features gray bark and an elegant form. Its evergreen leaves are thick and elliptic, 20 to 50 millimeters long with rounded bases and acute or rounded tips, displaying prominent veins and occasionally toothed margins. The fruit appears as small red stones approximately 6 to 8 millimeters long, adding visual interest to this distinctive island species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric species but geographically isolated to Channel Islands; distinguished by tree form and purple twigs
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal-sage scrub, chaparral
Elevation: 10-520 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara
Outside California: Mexico (Guadalupe Island)
Bloom period
Rhamnus pirifolia blooms Jan-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.2
How to tell it apart
vs Ceanothus: Rhamnus has tiny inconspicuous flowers; Ceanothus has showy white or blue flower clusters.; vs Quercus: Rhamnus has thin leaves and berry fruits; Quercus has thick leaves and acorns.; vs Prunus: Rhamnus fruits have 2-4 stones inside; Prunus has single large stone (pit).; vs Rhus: Rhamnus has simple leaves and scaly buds; Rhus has compound leaves and hairy fruits.; vs Frangula: Rhamnus buds have protective scales; Frangula buds are completely naked.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhamnus pirifolia native to California?
Yes. Rhamnus pirifolia is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Rhamnus pirifolia bloom?
Rhamnus pirifolia blooms Jan-Apr.
Where in California does Rhamnus pirifolia grow?
Rhamnus pirifolia occurs in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, at elevations of 10-520 m.
What plant family does Rhamnus pirifolia belong to?
Rhamnus pirifolia is in the Rhamnaceae family, genus Rhamnus.
Is Rhamnus pirifolia rare or endangered?
Rhamnus pirifolia carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.2, state rank S4.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.