Native to western North America, Frangula purshiana (Cascara Buckthorn) is a deciduous, erect or spreading, tall shrub or small tree with a low canopy. Clusters of inconspicuous, small greenish-yellow flowers, each with 5 petals, are produced in spring. They are followed by copious poisonous berries loved by birds and other wildlife. They are eaten by five species of birds including the Oregon ruffed grouse and band-tailed pigeon. The berries turn from lime green to red and then to purplish-black as they mature. The upright branches are clothed with simple, oblong, shiny green leaves, 3-5 in. long (7-12 cm), with paler undersides. The attractive yellow-brown to silvery-gray bark is famous for its purgative properties. In a single year, five million pounds of dried Cascara Buckthorn bark from the Pacific Northwest was processed by pharmaceutical companies in the manufacture of laxatives. Utilized by wildlife, Cascara Buckthorn often forms brushy stands capable of providing abundant hiding cover. Very tolerant of shade, Cascara Buckthorn makes a lovely small tree in shady, wet areas of the garden. It can also be trimmed into a hedge or screen.

• Grows up to 20-40 ft. high (6-12 m) and 10-30 ft. wide (3-9 m). Adds 24 in. per year (60 cm).
• A full sun to full shade lover, this plant is easily grown in moist to wet soils. Tolerates a wide variety of soil types, including clay, loam or sand.
• No serious pest and disease issues.
• Can be pruned to control size or shape.
• Handle all plant parts with gloves and avoid prolonged exposure.
• Propagation by seed. It can also spread by layering and can sometimes be propagated by cuttings.
• Occurs from British Columbia down through northern California. It is mostly distributed west of the Cascades but can also be found east to northern Idaho and northwestern Montana.