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Carolina Buckthorn

Frangula caroliniana

Carolina buckthorn is a well-behaved native buckthorn (unlike the invasive European species), a small tree with glossy leaves and berries that ripen red to black for birds. A handsome wildlife shrub for sun or part shade.

Family
Rhamnaceae
Type
shrub
Lifespan
perennial
Height
10–15 ft
Spacing
8–12 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
moist, dry
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline, acidic
Bloom
May, June
Bloom colors
green, white
Wildlife value
pollinators, songbirds, butterflies, larval host
Caterpillar hosts
~11 butterfly & moth species
Landscape uses
specimen, hedge or screen
Native states
AL, AR, FL, GA, IL, IN, KY, LA, MO, MS, NC, OH, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA