Rhamnus caroliniana

Rhamnus caroliniana
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Rhamnus
Species: R. caroliniana
Binomial name
Rhamnus caroliniana
Walter 1788 not Blanco 1837
Synonyms[1]
  • Frangula caroliniana (Walter) A. Gray
  • Rhamnus caroliniana var carolinianaWalter

Rhamnus caroliniana, the Carolina buckthorn, is an upright shrub or small tree native to the southeastern, south-central, and mid-western parts of the United States, from Texas east to Florida and north as far as Maryland, Ohio, Missouri, and Oklahoma.[2] There is also an isolated population in the State of Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico.[3]

Natural range

Description

Rhamnus caroliniana is usually around 12 to 15 feet (3.6-4.5 meters) high, but capable of reaching 40 feet (12 meters) 25/3in a shaded location.[4] The most striking characteristic of this plant are its shiny, dark green leaves. The flowers are very small and inconspicuous, pale yellow-green, bell-shaped, appearing in leaf axils in late spring after the leaves. The fruit is a small (1/3 inch or 8.3 mm) round drupe; at first red, but later turning black with juicy flesh. It ripens in late summer.[5]

Despite its common name, the Carolina Buckthorn is completely thornless.

References

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