Carolina Buckthorn
(Frangula caroliniana)
Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana)
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Hill Craddock
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Hill Craddock
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Hill Craddock | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Hill Craddock | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-09-26T14:58:03-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Frangula caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the understory of deciduous forests, forest edges, and stream banks in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows to a height of 12 to 15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters) but can reach up to 40 feet (12 meters) in shaded, forested locations. Carolina Buckthorn has a rounded form with multiple stems and branches. Its leaves are shiny, dark green, and elliptical, turning yellow in the fall. The flowers, which bloom in late spring, are small, inconspicuous, pale yellow-green, and bell-shaped, appearing in leaf axils. The fruit is a small, round drupe that starts red and turns black as it ripens in late summer, providing food for birds and wildlife.
Carolina Buckthorn is valued for its adaptability and ornamental features, including its attractive foliage and fruit. It is used in naturalized plantings, as a border shrub, or for wildlife gardens. This species is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It prefers medium amounts of water and well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from leaf spots or rust. Carolina Buckthorn is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Carolina Buckthorn is valued for its adaptability and ornamental features, including its attractive foliage and fruit. It is used in naturalized plantings, as a border shrub, or for wildlife gardens. This species is relatively low-maintenance, tolerating a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It prefers medium amounts of water and well-drained soils. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from leaf spots or rust. Carolina Buckthorn is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 10-15 feet
- Width: 10-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the understory of deciduous forests, forest edges, and stream banks in the Southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Frangula caroliniana, Rhamnus caroliniana, Rhamnus caroliniana var. mollis, Rhamnus canadensis, Rhamnus caroliniana var. caroliniana, Rhamnus virginica, Frangula caroliniana var. mollis, Frangula fragilis, Sarcomphalus carolinianus,
GBIF Accepted Name: Frangula caroliniana (Walter) A.Gray