Cascara

Easy to Maintain

Native to pacific northwest

Valuable to wildlife

Characteristics:
This small, deciduous native tree has graceful, sparse branching that holds umbrella-shaped clusters of small, green to yellow flowers in summer—a favorite nectar source for bumblebees. The tree's elliptical green leaves become yellow, orange, red, or purple in fall, and its small berries attract birds and other wildlife. Its bark has important medicinal properties, including a powerful laxative effect, and is used by many native coastal tribes.

Growing Conditions:
Cascara grows best in shade or partial shade, and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. With our summers lasting longer and getting hotter, we recommend planting this tree where it is protected from west and/or south-facing sun. Young cascaras are showing signs of stress when they are planted in locations that receive all-day sun, especially at the hottest times of the day.

Uses:
Berries are attractive to birds and other wildlife.

Height:
30' at maturity

Width:
25' at maturity

Shape:
Erect, oval with graceful, sparse branching.

Flowers:
Umbrella-shaped clusters of small, green to yellow flowers in summer.

Leaves:
The tree's elliptical green leaves become yellow, orange, red, or purple in fall. Leaf surfaces are wavy.

Bark:
Thin, smooth and burgundy when young. Grayish-brown, somewhat scaly on mature trees.

More Information:
SPECIAL NOTE: This tree is adapted to a shade/part-shade environment. With our summers lasting longer and getting hotter, we recommend that you consider planting this tree in a place where it is protected from west and/or south-facing sun. Young cascaras are showing signs of stress when they are planted in locations that receive all-day sun, especially at the hottest times of the day. Native to Pacific Northwest. Bark has important medicinal properties.