Rhamnus crocea Nutt.

Shrubs, 1.2–2(–4) m, usually armed with thorns. Branchlets reddish to red-purple or orange-brown; glabrous. Leaves persistent, alternate; petiole 2–6 mm; blade usually dull green abaxially, shiny dark green adaxially, elliptic to obovate or ovate, 0.7–2 cm, distinctly coriaceous, base cuneate to truncate, margins coarsely serrate, spinulose-serrulate, or entire, apex obtuse to emarginate, both surfaces glabrous; secondary veins 5–7 pairs, all diverging at nearly same angle. Inflorescences fascicles or flowers solitary. Pedicels 2–3 mm. Sepals 4(–5). Petals 0. Drupes red, globose, 5–8 mm; stones 2.

Dry washes and canyons, coastal and inland dunes, alluvial fans, gravel flood plains, disturbed sandy flats, brushy slopes, steep granitic slopes, woodlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral; at elevations from 50-1,200 metres.

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked with meat.

Can be grown by cuttings or seedlings.