Carolina Buckthorn Shrub

The Carolina Buckthorn shrub (Rhamnus caroliniana) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is is noted for its bright shiny green leaves and edible fruits. It is native from New York to Nebraska south to Mexico and Florida, and it is typically found along woodland streams, open wooded hillsides, upland ridges, thickets and glades. Elliptic to oblong, glossy dark green leaves (to 2-6" long) have 8-10 pairs of prominent veins and finely toothed to untoothed margins. Leaves retain green color long into fall before eventually turning an unexciting yellow-green. Somewhat insignificant, creamy-green flowers in small axillary clusters bloom in spring (May-June). Flowers are followed by edible berry-like drupes (1/3" across) which ripen to a very showy red before finally maturing in September-October to black. Birds are very attracted to the fruit. This species was originally discovered in South Carolina, hence the specific epithet. Notwithstanding the common name, this species does not have t