Carolina Buckthorn
ExplorePlants
Carolina Buckthorn
frangula caroliniana
Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is an elegant deciduous small tree or large shrub native to the southeastern and south-central United States. Despite its common name, it is entirely thornless, boasting a handsome, spreading canopy that blends gracefully into woodland borders, limestone glades, and riparian zones. It is highly valued in native landscaping for its glossy green foliage and its exceptional ability to thrive in alkaline soils where other plants might struggle. This species plays a vital role in local ecosystems, acting as a sanctuary and food source for various wildlife. During the late summer and autumn, it produces abundant berries that transition through a beautiful color palette from green to vibrant red, and finally to a rich, glossy black. These berries serve as an essential food reserve for migrating birds and local mammals preparing for the winter season. Take the ultimate field guide with you and identify Carolina Buckthorn using the Snappit app.
Habitat: Found in rich deciduous woodlands, rocky limestone ridges, glades, and stream banks throughout the southeastern United States.
Appearance
This elegant shrub or small tree typically reaches heights of 3 to 9 meters. It features simple, alternately arranged, oblong-elliptic leaves that are 5 to 15 cm long with distinctive, prominent parallel veins running from the midrib to the finely serrated margins. The leaves are a lustrous dark green on top and paler underneath, turning yellow in autumn. In spring, it bears inconspicuous, greenish-yellow, cup-shaped flowers. These are followed by showy, berry-like drupes that turn from yellow-green to rose-red, and finally mature to a glossy black color.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRhamnaceaeGenusFrangula
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its common name of 'buckthorn', this species is completely thornless and safe to touch.
Its wood is exceptionally dense and was historically used to make high-grade charcoal for gunpowder production.
The ripening fruits present a striking multi-colored display, as green, red, and black berries often appear on the same branch simultaneously.
Special abilities
Ability
Alkaline Soil Tolerance
Thrives in nutrient-poor calcareous soils and limestone outcroppings where many other woody species cannot survive.
Ability
Avian Attraction
Produces highly visible, multi-colored berries that attract birds, which ingest the seeds and deposit them elsewhere to facilitate reproduction.
Ability
Chemical Defense
Deters heavy mammalian herbivory through mild emetic chemical compounds in its bark and foliage.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 300+ cm
- Lifespan
- 15+ years
Diet & Feeding
As a photoautotrophic plant, it manufactures its own organic compounds using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Carbon Dioxide
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Foraging Method
- Photosynthesis
Ecological connections
Traits
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Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Carolina Buckthorn?
The easiest way to identify Carolina Buckthorn is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Carolina Buckthorn?
300+ cm
How long does Carolina Buckthorn live?
15+ years
What does Carolina Buckthorn eat?
As a photoautotrophic plant, it manufactures its own organic compounds using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Where is Carolina Buckthorn usually found?
Found in rich deciduous woodlands, rocky limestone ridges, glades, and stream banks throughout the southeastern United States.
How does Carolina Buckthorn hunt?
Photosynthesis
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