Buckthorn Bully
Sideroxylon lycioides
- Native to:
- United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © mlsullivan (iNaturalist #97087141)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Sapotaceae
- Genus:
- Sideroxylon
- Species:
- Sideroxylon lycioides
- USDA Symbol:
- SILY
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- greenish-white
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Parectopa bumeliella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
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:
- native to southeastern U.S. woodlands
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: Seeds are spread evenly on a firm seedbed prepared with moistened Pro-mix BX with bio-fungicide. They are then covered with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of additional soil and pressed down slightly to ensure good seed to soil contact. The seeds are then artificially cold stratified at 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 days.
Establishment: Mature fruit is hand harvested from a population of Stones River ecotype Sideroxylon lycioides located within the confines of Stones River National battlefield in South Central Tennessee. The Buckthorn bully is found throughout the Central and Southeastern United States.
Source: npn.rngr.net