California Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica)?

I think that is it! Its name changed a while back to Frangula californica and I think that's the name on the tag I lost.

I am concerned about it because many of its leaves have brown edges. It is tolerant of drought (we have clay soil) and shade. But how much drought??? That is the question.

The brown edges sound like it is short of water.

Nothing is drought tolerant until it is established. In order to do that, woody plants require supplemental irrigation for the first 2 years. But the larger the plant at planting time, the longer it will take.