← Bedfellow

Lanceleaf Buckthorn

Rhamnus lanceolata

Lanceleaf buckthorn is a modest native buckthorn of Eastern and Midwestern woods and glades, with inconspicuous flowers and black fruit for birds. A larval host and understory shrub for varied soils.

Family
Rhamnaceae
Type
shrub
Lifespan
perennial
Height
3–6 ft
Spacing
4–6 ft apart
Light
sun, part shade
Soil moisture
moist, dry
Soil pH
neutral, alkaline, acidic
Bloom
April, May
Bloom colors
green
Wildlife value
songbirds, pollinators, larval host
Caterpillar hosts
~10 butterfly & moth species
Landscape uses
hedge or screen, foundation
Native states
AR, IL, IN, KS, KY, MO, NE, PA, TN, VA