Indian Cherry {Rhamnus caroliniana} Deciduous Tree | Edible | Medicinal | Privacy Hedge | 10 seeds Free Shipping! 

Medicinal use of Indian Cherry: A tea made from the bark is emetic and strongly laxative.  

It is used in the treatment of constipation with nervous or muscular atony of the intestines.  

An infusion of the wood has been used in the treatment of jaundice. 

Common Name: Indian Cherry 

Type: Deciduous shrub 

Family: Rhamnaceae 

Native Range: New York to Florida, west to Nebraska and Texas 

Zone: 5 to 9 

Height: 10.00 to 15.00 feet 

Spread: 10.00 to 15.00 feet 

Bloom Time: May to June 

Bloom Description: Creamy green 

Sun: Full sun to part shade 

Water: Medium 

Maintenance: Low 

Suggested Use: Hedge 

Flower: Insignificant 

Attracts: Birds 

Fruit: Showy, Edible 

Garden locations 

Culture 

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.  

Prefers alkaline soils (add lime to acidic soils). Prefers consistent moisture. Adapts to a variety of soils and environments. 
 

Noteworthy Characteristics Rhamnus caroliniana, commonly called Carolina buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows to 10-15' (infrequently to 30') tall. It is noted for its bright shiny green leaves and edible fruits. It is native from New York to Nebraska south to Mexico and Florida. In Missouri, it is typically found along woodland streams, open wooded hillsides, upland ridges, thickets and glades primarily in limestone areas south of the Missouri River and throughout the Ozarks (Steyermark). 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 thorns or spines.