Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Lanceleaf Buckthorn

Rhamnus lanceolata
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Glade, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Woody branch with green leaves and little yellowish green flowers.
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects, Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Cover, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

4 to
9
feet

Spread:

4 to
5
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
9
feet
Spread: 4 to
5
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
9
feet
Spread: 4 to
5
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Edges of woodland plantings and wildlife habitat gardens. Can be trimmed as a hedge; an alternative to exotics like privets.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Fresh seed can be planted if available, or plant stock grown in pots. New plants grow quickly.
Special Features
Ornamental Fruits / Seed Pods / Seed Heads
Special Usage
Fragrant
Basic Description

Medium-sized shrub or small tree with shiny leaves and small four-petaled yellowish green flowers clustered along branches. Groups of little round fruits are black when mature in late summer and are eaten by birds.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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