Carolina Buckthorn
Rhamnus caroliniana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Carolina Buckthorn is a native deciduous shrub or small tree found in Texas and southeastern states. It blooms from March through August and provides nectar for butterflies and other beneficial insects.
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
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.
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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 produces small greenish flowers from March through August, providing an extended nectar source for pollinators throughout the growing season.
- What pollinators visit Carolina Buckthorn?
- This native plant attracts butterflies and various nectar-feeding insects with its small but abundant flowers during the long blooming period.
- Where is Carolina Buckthorn native?
- Carolina Buckthorn is native to Texas and much of the southeastern United States, typically growing in woodland edges and open areas.
- 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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