Frangula purshiana - Web page Navigation - Cascara Buckthorn Page

Discover the unique allure of Frangula purshiana, commonly known as Cascara or Cascara Buckthorn. A native gem of the Pacific Northwest, Cascara is a versatile deciduous tree or shrub cherished for its aesthetic charm and historical significance. Growing up to 50 feet tall, it features soft, velvety twigs and naked buds with rusty pubescence. Its leaves, resembling dogwood, are elliptic and glossy green, transitioning to striking shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple in fall, depending on sun exposure. In spring, yellow-green umbrella-shaped flower clusters grace the branches, followed by purplish-black berries that entice birds and wildlife.

Cascara thrives in diverse habitats, from moist woodlands and swamp edges to drier, rocky areas, showcasing its adaptability to sunny or shady spots. It's a well-behaved choice for urban gardens, resistant to pests, and suitable for planting beneath power lines. Historically prized for its medicinal bark, used as a potent laxative since 1877, Cascara boasts a legacy of healing. Whether enhancing suburban landscapes or wildlife habitats, Cascara offers beauty across the seasons, inviting nature’s charm into your garden.