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Frangula caroliniana

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Rhamnus caroliniana
Phonetic Spelling
FRANG-yoo-luh kair-oh-lin-ee-AN-uh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Carolina Buckthorn is a small native deciduous tree or shrub found in bottomlands, stream banks and woods of eastern and central USA. In NC it is primarily found in the mountains. It can grow from 12-20 feet tall with a spreading open crown. The flowers are insignificant in spring and are followed by a berry-like drupe in fall that is a favorite of wildlife.

Carolina Buckthorn is easy to grow in average, moist, well-drained alkaline soils in full sun to partial shade. It can be used in naturalized areas to attract wildlife, as a hedge or for screening.

More information on Rhamnus.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small tree#full sun tolerant#shrub#NC native#pollinator plant#Braham Arboretum#naturalized area#larval host plant#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#food source hard mast fruit#mammals#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#Audubon#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#small tree#full sun tolerant#shrub#NC native#pollinator plant#Braham Arboretum#naturalized area#larval host plant#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#bird friendly#food source hard mast fruit#mammals#partial shade tolerant#bee friendly#Audubon#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Frangula
    Species:
    caroliniana
    Family:
    Rhamnaceae
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Eastern Central & South Eastern U.S.A. to North East Mexico
    Distribution:
    AL , AR , FL , GA , IL , IN , KY , LA , MD , MO , MS , NC , NJ , OH , OK , SC , TN , TX , VA
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant attracts birds, bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Heat and drought tolerant.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 12 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 12 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Open
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
    Appendage:
    Thorns
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Black
    Red/Burgundy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Fruit is a fleshy drupe, red maturing to black. Displays from August to October.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Black
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Flowers small, 4-5-parted in small clusters at the bases of the leaves. Blooms from April to May.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Velvety
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The 2-6 inches long glossy green leaves have smooth margins or with very small, rounded teeth and veins prominent, especially on the lower surface. The tip is pointed and base rounded or tapered.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
    Bark Description:
    Smooth gray-brown, may have darker blotches, with a few slightly raised lenticels and shallow fissures.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Buds:
    Smooth/Hairless
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Slender, reddish-brown with gray pubescence; buds very small, naked and brown with fuzz.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Small Mammals
    Songbirds
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Glycosides.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits