The name “coffeeberry” comes from the berries that mature from lime green to red and then black, and contain coffee-bean-shaped seeds. Coffeeberry is not known for its flowers, which are almost unnoticeable. Coffeeberry bark is a popular herbal remedy for chronic constipation. It is sold commercially under the name of Cascara Sagrada. The preparation is tricky (it involves aging it for a year followed by extensive heat treatment and tincture preparation) so it is not recommend to chew raw. Berries were gathered historically by West Coast Native American tribes for cooking as well as medicinal purposes. 

The leaves have been rubbed on the skin to soothe rheumatism. Bathing in a decoction of leaves is said to soothe poison oak rash. The seeds resemble commercial coffee beans, however, attempts at using coffeeberry as coffee substitute have not be successful. They are a good grazing food for animals and birds.