Carolina Buckthorn
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Frangula caroliniana
The Carolina buckthorn is an enchanting deciduous tree or shrub that can reach heights of 12 to 15 feet. Its lovely green leaves continue to thrive until late fall, and in May and June, it delights us with clusters of small, cheerful yellow flowers at the bases of the leaves. While these flowers aren't the flashiest, they certainly add charm to the plant. This wonderful plant also bears fleshy berries that start off red when ripe and turn black upon maturity, each about 1/4 inch in diameter.
Many songbirds and other wildlife absolutely love feasting on the berries of the Carolina buckthorn. Although the berries might have some medicinal uses, it's important to note that they can also be toxic. Interestingly, despite its name, this delightful species doesn't have spines! It was named after South Carolina, where it was first discovered.
You'll often find Carolina buckthorn nestled in the understory, showcasing its vibrant green leaves. It makes for a stunning specimen plant, especially since its colorful red berries attract a variety of bird species. As the season changes, those berries transition to a beautiful black in the fall. When grown in light shade, the Carolina buckthorn takes on a graceful, tiered look that’s reminiscent of flowering dogwoods. It loves to bask in at least three to four hours of sunlight each day. Keep in mind, though, that if it receives less sun, it might grow denser and shrubbier, losing some of its charm. Plus, this lovely plant often produces a plethora of seedlings.
Height: 12’-15’
Spread: 12’-15’
Bloom: May-June
Light: Part Shade, Dappled Shade
Water: Medium
Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Origin: Texas
Spring Shipping:
Orders are shipped within 7-10 business days. We will email you if there are expected delays.
When you order plants from our nursery, you can expect them to arrive in the best possible condition. Our team carefully packs each order using sturdy, biodegradable packaging materials.
Your plants' appearance may vary depending on the season and their current growth stage. We may cut back the leafy growth of some plants to prepare them for shipment and transplanting.
5 Gallon and Up: Any plant purchased to ship over 5 Gallons will be shipped bare root. This means we will remove the plant from its original pot, remove the soil surrounding the roots, and wrap the roots with a biodegradable plastic bag. This reduces weight and the likelihood of damage during shipping.
Once your plants arrive, it is essential to plant them as soon as possible. This will help them rebound and thrive. If you cannot plant immediately, water regularly and keep the roots off heat-conducting surfaces.
Newly transplanted plants often require more water until their roots are well established. Plan to water them 1-3 times weekly for the first few months.
