Frangula caroliniana (Carolina Buckthorn)

Frangula caroliniana (Carolina Buckthorn) is a sparsely branched deciduous shrub or small tree with bright shiny green, ovate to elliptic leaves, 2-6 in. long (5-16 cm), adorned with prominent veins on the upper surface, and smooth to finely toothed margins. The foliage keeps it bright green color into late fall and produces a short-lived show of yellow fall color late in the season. Unlike some buckthorns, this species does not have any thorns on the branches. Clusters of inconspicuous, small white flowers are produced at the bases of the leaves in late spring to early summer. They are followed by copious red berries which turn black as they mature. Birds and other wildlife feast on them. Found in bottomlands, stream banks and woods of eastern and central USA, Carolina Buckthorn is easy to grow and can be used as a hedge or for screening or in naturalized areas to attract wildlife.

• Grows up to 10-15 ft. tall and wide (300-450 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to part shade in slightly alkaline, consistently moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates drought and will grow in very dry soil.
• No serious pest and disease issues.
• Propagation by seed, semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or dormant hardwood cuttings root. Sow fresh seed without pretreatment or stored seed which has been stratified.
• Native to the eastern and central United States.