Rhamnus obtusissima Greene, Leafl. Bot. Observ. Crit. 1: 64. 1904; R. rubra Greene subsp. obtusissima (Greene) C. B. Wolf

Young branches usually red, rarely gray. Leaves scattered along branchlets; blade light green abaxially, green or dull green adaxially, oblong to obovate, 2.5–6 cm, base rounded, margins entire or serrulate, apex rounded, abaxial surface glabrous or puberulent on midrib and veins, adaxial glabrous. Drupes globose.

Flowering Apr–Jun. Chaparral, montane forests; 800–2100 m; Calif., Nev.