Indian Cherry, Oak, Carolina Buckthorn

Rhamnus carolinianus

Physical Characteristics

Rhamnus carolinianus is a deciduous Tree growing to 12 m (39ft 4in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Virginia to Florida, west to Texas and Nebraska.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has a thin rather dry flesh[82] with a sweet and agreeable flavour[2, 11, 105, 229]. The fruit is about 7 - 10mm in diameter and contains 2 - 4 small seeds[229]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Hepatic A tea made from the bark is emetic and strongly laxative[222]. It is used in the treatment of constipation with nervous or muscular atony of the intestines[222]. An infusion of the wood has been used in the treatment of jaundice[257].

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, there is the suggestion that some members of this genus could be mildly poisonous[65].