Carolina Buckthorn
frangula caroliniana
Also known as: ["Carolina Dogwood","Carolina Arrowwood"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States, known for its attractive foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers followed by berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Frangula |
| Botanical Name: | Frangula caroliniana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates sandy or clay soils if amended.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering or every 2–3 years for maintenance.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight preferred, but tolerates some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun in summer; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for leaf scorch.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering especially in winter.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good aeration; avoid compacted soil; adjust pH if necessary with lime or sulfur.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; tolerates temperatures down to -10°C (14°F); prefers moderate temperatures between 15–25°C (60–77°F).
Protect from frost in winter; avoid placing near drafty windows or heat vents; maintain moderate humidity in dry conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize only during active growth; use a balanced NPK ratio; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer/early fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early fall when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning, heading back, and shaping cuts to maintain form.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or diseased wood; best done after flowering or in late winter.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools, prune dead/diseased wood first, make clean cuts, avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants to refresh soil.
Checklist
Check root bound status, prepare new pot, trim roots if needed, use fresh soil, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, chlorosis, or browning leaf edges in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn brown; growth slows or halts; roots can suffer damage in prolonged freezing conditions.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base; protect from cold winds; move potted plants to sheltered locations; avoid overwatering in cold weather.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth stage, use appropriate fertilizer, dilute correctly, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if needed; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are also susceptible to mild toxicity from Frangula caroliniana berries and seeds. The anthraquinone glycosides can cause gastrointestinal irritation and laxative effects, leading to symptoms of discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Frangula caroliniana berries and seeds can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of anthraquinone glycosides. These compounds can cause irritation and laxative effects, resulting in discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicFrangula caroliniana contains compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and discomfort when ingested in significant quantities. The berries and seeds are the primary toxic parts, containing anthraquinone glycosides which act as laxatives and can lead to irritation of the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Frangula caroliniana have any medicinal uses?
A: There is limited documented evidence of medicinal use for Frangula caroliniana, though related species in the genus Frangula have been used traditionally.
Q: How tall does Frangula caroliniana grow?
A: It typically grows to 10–20 feet tall, with a spread of 10–15 feet, forming a rounded to spreading habit.
Q: Is Frangula caroliniana deer resistant?
A: It is generally considered moderately deer resistant, though deer may browse on it if other food sources are scarce.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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