How much sun does Carolina buckthorn need?

Carolina buckthorn grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Carolina buckthorn bloom?

Carolina buckthorn blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Carolina buckthorn native?

Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is native to TX, OK, AR, LA and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Carolina buckthorn HOA-friendly?

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

Carolina buckthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Frangula caroliniana

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

120"–240" H × 96"–180" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

TX, OK, AR, LA and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

A deciduous large shrub or small tree with an upright, rounded form and glossy, oval leaves that turn yellow in fall. Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in late spring are followed by pea-sized fruit that ripens from red to black over the growing season. Tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and average garden moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina buckthorn is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Wildlife value

Fruit ripening in stages provides an extended food source for birds through summer and fall, and flowers offer nectar for bees.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina buckthorn need?: Carolina buckthorn grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Carolina buckthorn bloom?: Carolina buckthorn blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Carolina buckthorn native?: Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is native to TX, OK, AR, LA and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Carolina buckthorn attract?: Carolina buckthorn draws bees.
Is Carolina buckthorn HOA-friendly?: Carolina buckthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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