Rhamnus crocea subsp. ilicifolia
| Rhamnus crocea subsp. ilicifolia | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Rhamnus |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | R. c. subsp. ilicifolia
|
| Trinomial name | |
| Rhamnus crocea subsp. ilicifolia | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Rhamnus crocea subsp. ilicifolia, synonym Rhamnus ilicifolia, is a subspecies of flowering plant in the buckthorn family,[1] known by the common name hollyleaf redberry.[2] It is native to western North America, where it is a common plant growing in many types of habitat, including chaparral and wooded areas, from Oregon through California, to Baja California and Arizona.
Description
Rhamnus crocea subsp. ilicifolia is a
Taxonomy
It was first described as Rhamnus ilicifolia by Albert Kellogg in 1863,[4] and reduced to a subspecies of Rhamnus crocea in 1938.[1]
Etymology
Rhamnus: genus name that derives from the ancient Greek name for buckthorn.[5]
ilicifolia: Latin epithet that means "ilex (holly) leaved."[6]
Distribution and habitat
Hollyleaf redberry is found in the western United States, distributed in California, southern Oregon, southern Nevada and Arizona. It is found in elevations below 8,000 feet (2,400 m).[3]
It grows in a diverse range of habitats including canyon slopes and bottoms, open hillsides, roadsides, rock faces, sandstone ridges,
Uses
Hollyleaf redberry is used by wildlife as well as humans. The evergreen leaves provide cover for birds and small mammals and the berries which ripen in late summer and fall are also consumed by wildlife. The flowers are visited by pollinators, including moths and butterflies. Human uses include erosion control where it is grown on dry and rocky hillsides as well as bank stabilization. It is also available as an ornamental plant, grown for its red berries more than its inconspicuous flowers; It is drought tolerant and easy to maintain. Various indigenous groups of California used the plant. The Nüwa of the Tehachapi Mountains region of Southern California had used the decoctions of the bark and roots as medicine for coughs and colds and as a laxative. The Ukomno'om of the North Coast of California also reported the use of the inner bark as "good medicine. The Wintun, also of Northern California, reported using the wood for torches because of its density and long burn time.[3]
References
- ^ a b c d "Rhamnus crocea subsp. ilicifolia (Kellogg) C.B.Wolf". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2024-03-18.
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rhamnus ilicifolia". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 20 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d Smither-Kopperl, M. (September 2021). "Plant Guide for hollyleaf redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia)". Lockeford, CA: United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lockeford Plant Materials Center. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- ^ "Tropicos | Name - Rhamnus ilicifolia Kellogg". legacy.tropicos.org. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- ^ "Botanical names". www.calflora.net. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
- ^ "Dictionary of Botanical Epithets". botanicalepithets.net. Retrieved 2022-07-10.
External links
- Jepson Manual Treatment - Rhamnus ilicifolia
- USDA Plants Profile: Rhamnus ilicifolia
- Rhamnus ilicifolia - Photo gallery
