Cascara

Cascara is a deciduous tree that can attain a mature height of 30’ and width of 15’. In the southern portion of its range (California) it often becomes a small shrub. 

Leaves are borne in an alternate fashion at the ends of the limbs. Leaves are simple and elliptic to oblong in shape. Mature leaves can be up to 6” long. They have 10-15 parallel veins and a pointed tip. During the growing season the leaves are dark green on their upper surfaces and lighter below. Fall foliage can become a very intense yellow, with shades of orange and red possible. 

In May small green-white flowers appear. Flowers have sepals, petals, and stamens in clusters. Flowers are classified as umbels. 
Flowers morph to small black berries (known as drupes). They are obtusely 3-angled, about the size of a large pea, and contain 3 black, shining seeds. Immature berries are red but mature to deep purple to black.