Rhamnus lanceolata, commonly known as Lanceleaf Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the East-Central United States, where it is found in a variety of habitats including prairies, grasslands, open woodlands, and forest edges. It typically grows to a height of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), with a rounded to upright habit. The plant features narrow, lance-shaped leaves and inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by small, dark berries that are attractive to birds.

Lanceleaf Buckthorn is valued for its adaptability to different soil types and its ability to thrive in both full sun and part shade. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalized plantings. Its compact size allows for use in smaller gardens, and it can be utilized for border planting or as part of a wildlife-friendly garden. While not known for aggressive roots, it can self-seed and become weedy in some conditions. It is also susceptible to buckthorn blight and should be monitored for signs of disease.CC BY-SA 4.0