Rhamnus purshiana “Cascara” Rhamnaceae
Weir Hot Springs, Clearwater National Forest ID
June 8, 2015
Robert Niese
Cascara is a Pacific Northwest endemic famous for the laxative properties of its bark. In fact, the bark of this species is in such high demand that the plant has been eradicated from some parts of its range. Regardless of its medicinal uses, Cascara is one of my favorite PNW trees because of its unmistakable, heavily veined leaves and its adorable, teensy-tiny flowers! These are only a few millimeters across!
Northwest Naturalist 