Frangula caroliniana - buckthorn, Carolina

Height: 12’ to 20’ +
Spread: 10’ to 15’
Light Needs: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Flower color: Creamy green
Bloom time: May to June

This is a large deciduous shrub that can be trimmed into a small tree. Although the species is not common in upstate South Carolina, these plants were collected in Spartanburg. Its common name is misleading. It does not have spines or thorns. It may produce some root suckers but is not aggressive. The flowers are insignificant in spring and followed by small fruits that turn green, then red and finally black at maturity. With a little effort to remove suckers, it is suitable for any situation from formal garden to a natural setting. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and other insect pollinators. The fruits are eaten by birds and small animals. Reportedly, the fruits are edible but the seeds are mildly poisonous for people. Deer may browse this plant.