[3] As of March 2024[update], Plants of the World Online accepted five subspecies:[1] Rhamnus crocea is native to Arizona, California, Nevada, and Oregon in the United States and to Northeastern and Northwestern Mexico and the Mexican Pacific Islands.

In California, it surrounds the entire San Joaquin Valley, the pacific coast ranges and the western foothills of the Sierra Nevadas.

In Arizona, it is found in the entire length of the Mogollon Rim to the western region of the White Mountains.

[8] R. crocea typically occurs in chaparral, with common flora associates being toyon and hollyleaf cherry.

[10] When eaten in large quantities, it reportedly imparts a red tint to the consumer's entire body.