Carolina Buckthorn
Frangula caroliniana
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © rarecatsnake (iNaturalist #217881589)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus:
- Frangula
- Species:
- Frangula caroliniana
- USDA Symbol:
- FRCA13
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 914 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Moths:Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Coelodasys Packard, Magusa divaricata, Stigmella rhamnicola Butterflies:American snout butterfly (Libytheana carinenta)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- red, purple
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers woodland edges and open forests
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Pre-treatment: Fresh seeds require no pretreatment. Stored seeds should be stratified for 30 days at 41°F.
Establishment: Carolina buckthorn grows in bottomlands in east and southeast Texas, near streams and canyons in central and south-central Texas, also east to Florida and north to Virginia. It will grow in either acid or alkaline soil in full or partial sun.
Source: npn.rngr.net
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)