Carolina Buckthorn
Rhamnus caroliniana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Carolina Buckthorn is a small deciduous tree that blooms from March through August with inconspicuous greenish flowers that draw butterflies and other nectar insects. It grows well in full sun on dry to medium moisture sites, often along woodland edges and rocky slopes.
Toxicity unknown
Carolina Buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
144"–180" H × 96"–144" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 23 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, nectar insects
Before you buy
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Carolina Buckthorn is a small to medium-sized native tree with a rounded canopy and attractive dark green foliage. It produces small clusters of white flowers from spring through summer, followed by red berries that turn black in fall. The tree has good drought tolerance once established and provides year-round structure to the landscape.
Growing Carolina Buckthorn
Grow Carolina Buckthorn in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 144 to 180 inches tall and spread 96 to 144 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Buckthorn is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
- Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
- Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.
Wildlife value
This tree is excellent for supporting butterflies and other nectar-seeking insects with its long blooming period. The berries are valuable food for birds, and it serves as a host plant for some butterfly species.
Common questions
- When does Carolina Buckthorn bloom?
- Carolina Buckthorn typically flowers from March through August, with small greenish-yellow blossoms appearing over an extended period rather than in one short flush.
- What pollinators visit Carolina Buckthorn?
- The flowers are visited by butterflies and other nectar-seeking insects, which are drawn to the small, mildly fragrant blooms.
- How much water does Carolina Buckthorn need?
- This tree tolerates low to medium soil moisture and handles dry spells once established, making it useful on slopes and well drained sites.
- What growing conditions suit Carolina Buckthorn best?
- It performs well in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a range of light levels, often growing as an understory or edge tree in woodlands.
- Is Carolina Buckthorn deciduous or evergreen?
- Carolina Buckthorn is deciduous, dropping its leaves in fall after they often turn yellow.
- Is Carolina Buckthorn HOA-friendly?
- Carolina Buckthorn is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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 Carolina Buckthorn? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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