How much sun does Buckthorn Bully need?

Buckthorn Bully grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Buckthorn Bully bloom?

Buckthorn Bully blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Buckthorn Bully native?

Buckthorn Bully (Sideroxylon lycioides) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Buckthorn Bully toxic to livestock?

Buckthorn Bully is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Buckthorn Bully attract?

Buckthorn Bully draws bees and beetles.

Is Buckthorn Bully HOA-friendly?

Buckthorn Bully is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Buckthorn Bully

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sideroxylon lycioides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Buckthorn Bully (Sideroxylon lycioides) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Buckthorn Bully is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

240"–480" H × 120"–300" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Buckthorn bully is a slow-growing native evergreen tree that reaches 20-40 feet tall with a dense, rounded crown. It produces small white flowers in spring and develops into a sturdy, drought-tolerant specimen tree. The glossy dark green leaves and compact growth habit make it an attractive landscape choice.

In an HOA neighborhood

Buckthorn Bully is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. Birds feed on the small black fruits that develop in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Buckthorn Bully need?: Buckthorn Bully grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Buckthorn Bully bloom?: Buckthorn Bully blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Buckthorn Bully native?: Buckthorn Bully (Sideroxylon lycioides) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 12 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Buckthorn Bully toxic to livestock?: Buckthorn Bully is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Buckthorn Bully attract?: Buckthorn Bully draws bees and beetles.
Is Buckthorn Bully HOA-friendly?: Buckthorn Bully is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Buckthorn Bully? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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