Carolina buckthorn
Frangula caroliniana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is a perennial shrub native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–240" H × 96"–180" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees
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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
Growing Carolina buckthorn
Grow Carolina buckthorn in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 120 to 240 inches tall and spread 96 to 180 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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 AL, AR, FL, GA and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Carolina buckthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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