Rhamnus crocea, the spiny redberry, is a species of plant in the family Rhamnaceae. It is native from California to northern Mexico. , five subspecies are recognized.

Description

This evergreen shrub, Rhamnus crocea, is typically one to two meters in height. R. crocea typically occurs in chaparral, with common flora associates being toyon and hollyleaf cherry.

Taxonomy

, Plants of the World Online accepted five subspecies:

Distribution

Rhamnus crocea is native to Arizona, California, Nevada, and Oregon in the United States and to Northeastern and Northwestern Mexico and the Mexican Pacific Islands. It covers two major mountain foothills. In California, it surrounds the entire San Joaquin Valley, the pacific coast ranges and the western foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. In Arizona, it is found in the entire length of the Mogollon Rim to the western region of the White Mountains.

Uses

The fruit of Rhamnus crocea was used as food by Native Americans in the Western United States. When eaten in large quantities, the berry is reported to impart a red tint to the entire body of the consumer.