Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana)

Also known as: American buckthorn, Yellowwood

The Carolina buckthorn, known scientifically as *Frangula caroliniana*, derives its common name from its prevalence in the Carolinas, particularly South Carolina where it was first identified. The Latin name also reflects this regional association. Despite its name, the tree lacks thorns entirely.

Key characteristics include:

1. **Size and Form**: It is a small deciduous tree or large shrub, typically reaching 12-15 feet in height.
2. **Leaves**: The leaves are glossy, dark green, and oval-shaped, with smooth margins, turning yellow in autumn.
3. **Flowers and Fruits**: It produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by red berries that darken to black as they ripen.
4. **Wildlife Interaction**: The berries, while potentially toxic to humans if ingested, are a food source for songbirds. Additionally, deer often browse on its bark.

The Carolina buckthorn thrives in well-drained soils and is commonly found in woodlands, forest edges, and near streams, making it a valuable ornamental and ecological species.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Carolina buckthorn

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

3.5 m to 6 m

Spread

3 m to 4.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow Gold

Flower Size

0.2 inches (0.5 cm)

Flower Color

White Red Black Burgundy

Images of Carolina buckthorn

Quickly Identify Carolina buckthorn

Fruit: Small oval drupe transitions from red to black, smooth texture with glossy sheen.

Leaf: Glossy green, 2-6 inches long, pointed tip, rounded or tapered base, prominent veins.

Flower: Small, greenish-white, 0.2-0.3 inches across, 4-5-parted petals, clustered at leaf bases.

Stem: Slender, reddish-brown, gray pubescence, small fuzzy buds, delicate branching pattern.

Trunk & Bark: Smooth gray-brown bark with small lenticels, scattered dark blotches, shallow fissures.

Scientific Classification of Carolina buckthorn

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Buckthorn

Genus

Alder buckthorns

Species

Carolina buckthorn

Planting and Growing of Carolina buckthorn

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-80℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Carolina buckthorn?

When watering Frangula caroliniana, aim to ensure the soil is moist but not soggy. Use approximately 500 ml of water per session to achieve a balance that neither dries out the plant nor floods it. The soil should be damp to the touch, signaling sufficient hydration without being waterlogged.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Carolina buckthorn? ›

What should I do if my Carolina buckthorn is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Carolina buckthorn? ›

How to save an overwatered Carolina buckthorn? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Carolina buckthorn?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Partial to full sun conditions allow Frangula caroliniana to develop robust foliage and vibrant pigmentation, enhancing its ornamental value and ecological function.

What is the ideal sunlight for Frangula caroliniana? ›

How can you ensure Frangula caroliniana gets optimal light? ›

What happens when Frangula caroliniana receives ideal light? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Carolina buckthorn?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 80℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Frangula caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Buckthorn, is 60°F to 80°F. This range ensures that the plant can maintain optimal growth and development, providing the best conditions for photosynthesis and natural processes. Within this range, the plant can effectively manage water and nutrient absorption, facilitating robust health and resilience to minor stress conditions.

What Soil is Best for Carolina buckthorn?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Frangula caroliniana thrives in well-drained soils that prevent waterlogging, ensuring the roots receive adequate oxygen while reducing the risk of root rot. This plant prefers soils with moderate fertility. It benefits from balanced nutrient levels, supporting healthy growth without promoting excessive shoot development. While drought-tolerant, Frangula caroliniana does best with consistent moisture, encouraging robust leaf and fruit production, and fostering resilience against environmental stress.

How to Fertilize Carolina buckthorn?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Frangula caroliniana, it is advised to use a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. For liquid fertilizer, dilute according to the label's instructions, typically 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this plant requires moderate nourishment.

How to Prune Carolina buckthorn?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased wood, cutting back to healthy tissue. Use clean, sharp pruning shears for the best cuts. Focus on shaping the plant by establishing a strong structure; this may include thinning out interior branches to improve airflow. Keep in mind to step back and assess the overall shape frequently to ensure a visually balanced form. To shape Frangula caroliniana, focus on maintaining an open center and a balanced form. Removing suckers and sprouts from the base ensures energy is directed towards more desirable growth. Make cuts just above a leaf node to encourage branching and a denser habit, and don't hesitate to make reductions where necessary to maintain the plant's appearance and health.

How to Propagate Carolina buckthorn plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Gather seeds from ripe fruits. Ensure seeds are fully matured to improve germination success. Clean and dry them properly before sowing.

Use sharp pruning shears to cut 6-8 inch long sections from a healthy, disease-free parent plant. Ensure each cutting has at least two leaf nodes.

Fill a seed tray with a mix of peat moss and sand to create a well-draining medium. Moisten the medium before sowing the seeds.

How to Repot Carolina buckthorn plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repot your Frangula caroliniana when you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant seems too large for its current pot. Early spring or summer is ideal as the plant enters its active growth phase, allowing time to recover and expand in its new pot.

Select a pot that is just one or two sizes larger than the current one. Ensure it has good drainage to prevent root rot. A slightly larger pot helps the plant stabilize while avoiding excessive soil that can retain too much moisture.

Opt for well-drained potting soil, which imitates the plant's natural environment. Adding organic matter like compost can promote healthy growth by providing nutrients efficiently retained yet well-drained, preventing waterlogging.

Toxicity of Carolina buckthorn

Is Carolina buckthorn toxic to humans?

The Carolina buckthorn features decorative berries that should be eschewed by adults and kept away from children's reach. These berries harbor toxic glycosides which can provoke gastrointestinal distress, including symptoms such as stomach upset, nausea, excessive drooling, vomiting, flatulence, cramps, and diarrhea. Young children or individuals who consume them in large quantities may experience more severe symptoms. Typically, these symptoms will subside within a few days.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.