Carolina buckthorn
Frangula caroliniana
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Pl. BD69 — Frangula caroliniana
Frangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula carolinianaFrangula caroliniana
IOverview
Overview
Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is a shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. Found in habitats ranging from Alabama to Virginia, this plant thrives in moist soils with a pH between 6 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various soil types including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in preserves, Carolina buckthorn also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens due to its distinctive form and habit. Its height of up to 12 meters makes it a notable presence in landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Carolina buckthorn?
Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) is a shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. Found in habitats ranging from Alabama to Virginia, this plant thrives in moist soils with a pH between 6 and 7.
What is Carolina buckthorn used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Carolina buckthorn
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Frangula caroliniana, like its close relative Rhamnus species, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for digestive issues such as constipation. A decoction of the bark or roots may help support regular bowel movements.
The mechanism involves anthraquinones which act as laxatives by stimulating colonic peristalsis and increasing water content in the colon, though specific compounds in Frangula caroliniana are not fully characterised.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Carolina buckthorn support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Carolina buckthorn thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 12 meters tall as either a shrub or small tree. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. For best results, ensure the plant has adequate moisture and light while maintaining well-drained soil conditions.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub, Tree
Mature size
12.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Carolina buckthorn for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Carolina buckthorn in your garden for a low-maintenance, native shrub.
- 1
What you'll need
Carolina buckthorn seedlings or young plants, gardening gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 6 and 7.5; prepare a hole twice as wide but not deeper than the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants into prepared holes, ensuring roots are spread out and cover with soil gently.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist; avoid overwatering. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun to full sun exposure; water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape and remove dead branches; harvest fruit for culinary use after ripening.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to prune, not providing enough space.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Carolina buckthorn is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, it is consumed fresh but may also be dried for later use. Skip
Other uses:Animal feedAttracts insectsHedgerowPoultry forageWildlife habitat
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 19 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Mexico Northeast, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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