Carolina Buckthorn (Rhamnus caroliniana) is a small tree or large shrub native to North America. It is prevalent across the South Eastern United States, is native from Arkansas to New York and Nebraska as well as a few other states, and was discovered in South Carolina, hence its common and scientific names. This thornless plant also has an isolated population in northeastern Mexico. Though thornless, the Carolina Buckthorn does produce berries. These berries begin red, later turning black when they ripen. While songbirds are very attracted to and eat these berries and it is believed that they may possess medicinal properties, the berries of the Carolina Buckthorn may be toxic, so human consumption is not recommended. The leaves of the Carolina Buckthorn transition to orange in the autumn and later drop, and then regrow and bloom with small flowers in the spring.
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Photos taken at Old Town June 2022.