Other Names:  Rhamnus caroliniana

Description:

A tough and very adaptable tall shrub with limited ornamental characteristics, good background or filler material; despite its name, this species does not have thorns or spines

Ornamental Features

Carolina Buckthorn has dark green deciduous foliage on a plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. The glossy oval leaves turn yellow in fall. It produces red berries in late summer.

Landscape Attributes

Carolina Buckthorn is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Carolina Buckthorn is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Hedges/Screening
• Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens

Planting & Growing

Carolina Buckthorn will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 15 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under average home landscape conditions. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.