I've come across a plant which the Seek app on my phone identifies as Bushrue. This is kind of surprising because searches I have done on the Internet indicate that Bushrue is native to California. I wonder how it would get up here AND survive the winters. In any case, does this plant have any uses? It seems to be popular for erosion control. But I see no mention of the berries being useful, or being a companion plant, or being a nitrogen-fixer, etc. Anybody here know more about Bushrue? At this point, I find it a novelty to have it growing here, so I will leave it alone. But it would be nice to know if it is a good companion for other plants, or if its berries can be used for anything.
Those apps are not always accurate. Do you want to post the photos here to see if people agree with the ID?
Native not just to 'California', but to only the far south of California, around San Diego, and into Baja California. I'd say it is highly likely to be a misidentification by your phone . . . do please post some pics!
Unfortunately, I was on vacation at the time, but did not take a photo. My annual vacation up north will come around again next July. Hopefully, the plant is still there next summer and I remember to take a photo.
Quite like one of the newish, shrubby horticultural hybrids that have been on the general market in North America - start by searching for the names Jan and Joy for examples of introductions of this type. Whatever the specific selection(s) involved in an instance here there is even a planting down the street from me because a small local garden center had them in stock awhile back. A planting which I walk past with my dog most days.
