Carolina buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana) sometimes called Indian Cherry is a deciduous shrub that is native to the southeastern, south-central, and mid-western parts of North America as well as to Nuevo León in northeastern Mexico. The plant is also naturalized across North America. The Carolina buckthorn’s hardiness zone is 5 to 9. Despite the name “buckthorn” the shrub which can grow to about 15 feet is thornless. At Portland Plant Paradise, we offer all shop customers a free consult, and we look forward to speaking with you such that you learn about how to benefit from being fortunate enough to have Carolina buckthorn in your garden. Traditionally, the plant is used by Indigenous peoples for many medicinal purposes. The plant does best in well drained moist soil and as a seedling appreciates dappled shade. As a mature plant, Carolina buckthorn will thrive in full sun as it produces a cornucopia of red ripening into black berries from late summer through early autumn. Songbirds will visit your garden to eat the berries. The plant’s adorable five-sided white starred flowers show up in spring, and are pollinated by honeybees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds. In fact, the plant supports the majestic order of butterflies and moths called lepidopterans, which includes the peacock butterfly (Aglais io) and the elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor). These regal, winged beauties feed on the plant day and night. Please note that although the Carolina buckthorn self-pollinates, the blooms and berries of this shrub can be made even more plentiful with cross-pollination of another plant. Furthermore, cross-pollination means more genetic diversity within the species. This offer is $75 for two organic 6 inch rooted seedlings. Free shipping. Please know that we do not mail out to PO Boxes without explicit customer permission in writing.