Cascara
Frangula purshiana
Cascara's bark has been harvested for well over a century as a natural laxative, sold under the Spanish name "cascara sagrada" — sacred bark. This small understory tree quietly thrives beneath the region's conifer canopy.
Where found
Moist forest understory and streambanks throughout the lowland and mid-elevation Pacific Northwest.
Fun facts
- Its name, cascara sagrada, is Spanish for "sacred bark," referencing its long medicinal use.
- Dark purple-black berries ripen in late summer and are eaten by birds.
- Rarely grows taller than a large shrub, staying in the shaded understory.
Specs
| Height | 5–12 m |
|---|---|
| Spread | 3–6 m |
| Lifespan | 40–60 yrs |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Sun | Shade tolerant |
| Native Range | British Columbia to central California, east to Montana |
