Carolina buckthorn
Rhamus caroliniana
(formerly Frangula caroliniana)
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Form & Habitat
Carolina buckthorn form and habitat Carolina buckthorn form and habitat
Leaves
Carolina buckthorn leaves Carolina buckthorn leaves Carolina buckthorn leaves (underside)
Twigs
Carolina buckthorn twig Carolina buckthorn twigs
Bark
Carolina buckthorn bark
Flowers
Carolina buckthorn flower buds
Fruit
Carolina buckthorn: immature fruit Carolina buckthorn: immature fruit Carolina buckthorn: mature fruit Carolina buckthorn: mature fruit
  • FAMILY: RHAMNACEAE
  • ALTERNATE COMMON NAME:
  • LEAVES: alternate, simple, deciduous; elliptic-oblong; 3-5”; strongly veined; lateral veins parallel, turn upward at margins (arcuate venation); margins finely toothed; pubescent along veins lower surface
  • FLOWER: small 1/4”, green to yellow, in leaf axils; early summer
  • FRUIT: globose, 1/3 to 1/2” diameter; three lobed; drupe; red in summer, black when mature
  • TWIGS:
  • BARK:
  • FORM: small tree, 30-40 ft, 6-8”
  • HABITAT: moist sites
  • WETLAND DESIGNATION: Facultative Upland (FACU): Usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast Plain Region
  • RANGE: south central US
  • USES: ornamental; birds eat seeds
    • Best Recognition Features:
    1. elliptic, strongly veined
    2. lateral veins turn upward at margin

    NOTES: Other genera with arcuate venation include Cornus (the dogwoods) and Itea (Virginiawillow)
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