Frangula Mill. (Rhamnaceae)

The distinctions between Frangula and Rhamnus are many and meaningful; their separation at the generic level seems warranted based on morphological and molecular analyses.

Two species occur in North Carolina, but only F. caroliniana is considered native to the state.

1. Leaves entire, blades ca. 2× as long as wide...*F. alnus (European alder-buckthorn)

Bark of Frangula alnus (coming soon)

Twig of Frangula alnus (coming soon)

Leaves and fruit of Frangula alnus (R. Mohlenbrock, courtesy USDA PLANTS)

Flowers of Frangula alnus (coming soon)

Fruit of Frangula alnus (coming soon)

N.C. distribution of Frangula alnus (coming soon)

U.S. distribution of Frangula alnus

*Frangula alnus (European alder-buckthorn)
(Rare [native of Europe]; forested areas, other disturbed areas; this species is a seriously invasive weed in the Northeast; Mt)

1. Leaves serrulate, blades ca. 3× as long as wide...F. caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)

Bark of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Bark of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Bark of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Twig of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Leaves of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Leaves of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Flowers of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Fruit of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Fruits of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

Fruits of Frangula caroliniana (Copyright W. Cook)

N.C. distribution of Frangula caroliniana

U.S. distribution of Frangula caroliniana

Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)
(Rare; dry to moist barrens, woodlands, and forests, CP limestone bluffs and shell middens, especially over mafic or calcareous rocks; Mt, Pd; Fl: May-Jun)