Cascara sagrada, << kas KAIR uh suh GRAY duh or kahs KAHR uh suh GRAH duh, >> is an important medicinal plant found in the northwestern United States. It grows as a shrub or a small tree, reaches about 25 feet (7.6 meters) high, and thrives in rich, moist soil. The plant’s oval leaves may be 3 to 6 inches (8 to 15 centimeters) long. The small, green flowers form black, berrylike fruits.
The Spanish term cascara sagrada means sacred bark. Substances from the bark are used in medicines as a laxative. The bark is peeled from the trunk and branches. Then the tree dies. If it is cut down and the stump left with its bark whole, the roots send up new shoots. Cascara sagrada can be grown from seed.
