The Carolina buckthorn is a small deciduous tree that was first discovered in South Carolina, giving it its common and Latin names, Frangula caroliniana. It does not have thorns at all, but it does grow small flowers and red berries. The ripe berries may be toxic to humans but attract songbirds, while deer are known to feed off the bark.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Frangula caroliniana, commonly called the Carolina buckthorn, is a deciduous upright shrub or small tree native to the southeastern, south-central, and mid-western parts of the United States, from Texas east to Florida and north as far as Maryland, Ohio, Missouri, and Oklahoma. There is also an isolated population in the State of Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico. It is found in a wide variety of habitats, including barrens, forests, and limestone bluffs.
Frangula caroliniana (Carolina Buckthorn) is a sparsely branched deciduous shrub or small tree with bright shiny green, ovate to elliptic leaves, 2-6 in. long (5-16 cm), adorned with prominent veins on the upper surface, and smooth to finely toothed margins. The foliage keeps its bright green color into late fall and produces a short-lived show of yellow fall color late in the season. Unlike some buckthorns, this species does not have any thorns on the branches. Clusters of inconspicuous, small white flowers are produced at the bases of the leaves in late spring to early summer. They are followed by copious red berries which turn black as they mature.
Despite its common name, the Carolina buckthorn is completely thornless.
Wildlife such as songbirds eat the fruits, which are reported to have medicinal uses.
The carolina buckthorn has ornamental berries that should be avoided by adults and kept out of the reach of children. These berries contain toxic glycosides that cause stomach upset, nausea, drooling, vomiting, gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Small children or those who eat a lot will have worse symptoms. Normally these symptoms will resolve after a few days.
II. How to Grow and Care
Carolina buckthorn is an undemanding species suited to a variety of conditions, reflective of its ease of care. Key to its growth is ensuring it has well-drained soil; carolina buckthorn is tolerant of different soil types, from clay to sand, as long as moisture is adequately regulated. It thrives in both full sun and partial shade, demonstrating its adaptability. One special care point is to provide consistent moisture during its establishment phase, but once established, carolina buckthorn demonstrates good drought tolerance.
Sunlight
Carolina buckthorn thrives under full sun exposure which contributes to its vigorous growth and optimal health. Although Carolina buckthorn has a notable tolerance for partial sun, deviating too far from its ideal light conditions by providing too much shade can lead to less robust growth and a potential reduction in fruiting.
Adaptively, Carolina buckthorn can adjust to varying light levels to an extent, but its best performance is observed with unfiltered light for a significant part of the day. Recommended planting positions for Carolina buckthorn are open areas that receive ample sunlight, such as clearings or the edges of woods, ensuring it receives the full benefit of its preferred light conditions.
Watering
Carolina buckthorn is a plant that thrives in humid environments, indicating its preference for ample water. Originating from the rainforests, it has adapted to maintain a relative balance of water content. Watering once every 1-2 weeks suits Carolina buckthorn’s needs perfectly, maintaining its optimal hydration levels. Being an evergreen plant, Carolina buckthorn retains its leaves year-round, which requires consistent watering even during colder months.
Soil
They prefer well-drained sandy soil although they will grow in almost all types of soil.
Fertilizing
For optimal health, Carolina buckthorn benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, with a spring and mid-summer application. A shift to high nitrogen fertilizers supports vigorous growth in early stages. Use sparingly to prevent root burn, following package directions for dilution and quantity. Fertilization promotes robust growth, enhances fruiting, and fortifies against diseases. Adjust frequency with seasonal growth changes, reducing in fall. Tips: evenly distribute, water soil before application, incorporate into topsoil gently.
Pruning
Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact habit.
Propagation
For optimal health, Carolina buckthorn benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers, with a spring and mid-summer application. A shift to high nitrogen fertilizers supports vigorous growth in early stages. Use sparingly to prevent root burn, following package directions for dilution and quantity. Fertilization promotes robust growth, enhances fruiting, and fortifies against diseases. Adjust frequency with seasonal growth changes, reducing in fall. Tips: evenly distribute, water soil before application, incorporate into topsoil gently.
Transplanting
The prime time to transplant carolina buckthorn would be during S10-S12, synonymous to the cool, early spring season. This ensures robust root development before the summer heat. Locate Carolina buckthorn to partial shade or full sun sites with well-drained soil. It’s vital not to overwater while transplanting to avoid root rot! Remember, transplantation should promote long term health of your carolina buckthorn.
III. Uses and Benefits
They are used on edges, to form hedges, in bush groups, on dry and sunny slopes and as isolated specimens. They are ideal for coastal gardens.
