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 | |
Rhamnus caroliniana (syn. Frangula caroliniana), the Carolina buckthorn, is an upright shrub or small tree native to the Southeastern United States. There is a local disjunct population in Mexico as well.[1]
Natural range
Characteristics
Rhamnus caroliniana is usually around 12 to 15 feet high, but capable of reaching 40 feet in a shaded location.[2] 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) round drupe; at first red, but later turning black with juicy flesh. It ripens in late summer.[3]
Despite its common name, the Carolina Buckthorn is completely thornless.
References
- ↑ "Rhamnus caroliniana Range Map" (PDF). United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
- ↑ "Rhamnus caroliniana Carolina Buckthorn" (PDF). University of Florida. Retrieved 2009-07-07.
- ↑ Fragula caroliniana Fact Sheet (Virginia Tech)
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rhamnus caroliniana. |