Facts about Buckthorn bully

Sylvia

10 months ago

Buckthorn bully, or Sideroxylon lycioides, is a diminutive tree that is classified as a member of the Sapotaceae Juss. (Sapodilla family). Native to the southeastern and central United States, extending southward from Texas to Illinois and Delaware. The extent of its distribution is comparatively limited, encompassing merely Middle Tennessee, portions of neighboring states including Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, and the panhandle of northern Florida. In two states of the United States, it is imperiled or endangered due to its restricted range. Buckthorn buckhorn A few well-known common names for these plants include Buckthorn Bully, Bumelia, Buckthorn, Smooth Bumelia, Ironwood, southern-buckthorn, Shittamwood, Coma, and Gopherwood Buckthorn. Due to its high prevalence in the southern regions of the country, it is additionally designated as the Southern Buckthorn at the regional level. Contrast this with vegetation belonging to the Rhamnus genus, which is colloquially referred to as buckthorn.

The name “Sideroxylon” is derived from the Greek words “sideros,” which signifies iron, and “xylon,” which means wood, both of which refer to the genus’ trees’ strong wood. Lycioides derives its name from the Greek word “lykion,” which denotes a thorny shrub, and the suffix “-oides,” which means approximating or similar, thus signifying its similarity to plants belonging to the Lycium genus.

Buckthorn Bully Facts

Buckthorn bully Quick Facts
Name:	Buckthorn bully
Scientific Name:	Sideroxylon lycioides
Origin	Southeastern and central United States from Texas to Illinois and Delaware southwards
Colors	Initially green turning to purplish black
Shapes	Small, glossy, succulent, leathery egg-shaped berries about one-centimeter-long
Taste	Sweet to bitter

Name	Buckthorn bully
Scientific Name	Sideroxylon lycioides
Native	Southeastern and central United States from Texas to Illinois and Delaware southwards
Common Names	Buckthorn Bumelia, Buckthorn Bully, Buckthorn, Smooth Bumelia, Ironwood, southern-buckthorn, Shittamwood, Coma, Gopherwood Buckthorn, Southern Byckthorn
Name in Other Languages	English: buckthorn bully, buckthorn bumelia, Coma, Gopherwood Buckthorn, Southern Byckthorn French: acoma faux-lycia, arganier à feuilles de saule, bois laiteux du Mississippi German: nordamerikanisches Eisenholz
Plant Growth Habit	Small to medium-sized evergreen to deciduous tree or large shrub
Growing Climates	Moist areas along streams and ponds, along fence lines, around the edges of pastures and glades, on floodplains, floodplain forests, edges of swamps, hammocks, rocky bluffs, maritime forests, maritime scrub, river bluffs
Soil	Prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils
Plant Size	15 to 20 feet, but occasionally can reach up to 30 feet
Stem	Stems are not armed or armed, glabrous
Bark	Bark is gray to reddish brown and scaly on older stems and the trunk
Leaf	Alternate, petiolate, elliptic to ovate or oblanceolate in outline, with entire margins. The leaves are glabrous or glabrate on the surface with prominent venation and the midrib is pubescent with white hairs. The leaves are deciduous and turn pale yellow before falling
Flowering season	August to September
Pollinators	Bees Butterflies Moths
Flower	Inconspicuous, tiny, white to greenish flowers consist of five stamens and five white to yellowish or greenish petals
Fruit Shape & Size	Small, glossy, succulent, leathery egg-shaped berries about one-centimeter-long
Fruit Color	Initially green turning to purplish black
Seed	Seeds are 6.5-9 mm
Taste	Sweet to bitter
Season	October to November

Plant Description

Buckthorn bully is a large shrub or small to medium-sized evergreen to deciduous tree that is renowned for its resilience and capacity to withstand a wide range of environmental circumstances. Typically, the plant attains a vertical dimension of 15 to 20 feet; however, under optimal conditions, it may occasionally transcend 30 feet in height. The plant is observed flourishing in moist environments such as along streams and ponds, fence lines, pasture and glade margins, floodplains, swamp edges, hammocks, rocky bluffs, maritime forests, maritime scrub, and river bluffs. Although it prefers well-drained soils, the plant can thrive in clay, calcareous, and loamy soils, among others. It becomes drought-tolerant and requires minimal irrigation once established. While it prefers full sun, the plant can also survive in moderate shade. Prior to the onset of new growth in late winter or early spring, pruning is required.

Although lacking substantial ornamental value, it is occasionally incorporated into native plant landscaping on account of its adaptability and provision of habitat for wildlife. It is not regarded as problematic or invasive. Identification can be challenging in Florida due to the similar appearance of tiny individuals to large plants of S. reclinatum. When a plant is very young, such as a stem or leaf, it may have a moderate to limited covering of white, appressed, silky hairs. These hairs shed rapidly as the new growth matures.

Pruning

Prior to the onset of new growth in late winter or early spring, pruning is required. To achieve the desired tree shape and eliminate any dead or damaged branches, employ pruning shears or loppers that are clean and pointed. To encourage healthy regrowth, always make incisions at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or branch.

Stem

The rough bark and frequently thorny stems contribute to the plant’s robust appearance. When a tree matures, its smooth outer bark transforms into scaly, broken bark that sheds to reveal its crimson inner bark.

Twig

Present are slender spur shoots, yellow-green buds that range in shape from dome to conical, and circular leaf scars that, when fractured, release a milky sap. Twigs frequently bear robust, unbranched barbs measuring 1 inch in length at each leaf scar.

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Buckthorn bully Image Gallery

Leaves

The simple, alternate, evergreen leaves have entire margins and are petiolate, elliptic to ovate or oblanceolate in shape. The leaf surfaces are glabrous or glabrate, featuring prominent venation. The midrib of the leaf is pubescent and adorned with white filaments. The upper surface is lustrous green, while the underside is paler in color. Before collapsing, the deciduous leaves transform into a pale yellow hue. They are complete, wedge-shaped at both apexes, and when fractured, release a milky sap. Their typical length ranges from 1 to 3 inches.

Flowers

In the leaf axils, hemispherical clusters containing 7–40 individual blossoms are produced. The inconspicuous, tiny, white to greenish flowers consist of five stamens and five white to yellowish or greenish petals. Optimal blooming periods are early summer and spring.

Fruits

Followed by fertile flowers are tiny, egg-shaped berries that are glossy. They are succulent, leathery, one-centimeter-long fruits that ripen during the autumn. As they mature, their initial green hue transforms into red and then purplish black. There are 1-2 brownish seeds present.

Safety

There is a lack of substantial evidence suggesting that Buckthorn bully is toxic or venomous to canines, felines, or humans. However, if not handled with caution, the barbs on the stems may cause puncture wounds, thereby posing a physical hazard.

Pests and Problems

Buckthorn bully exhibits a relatively low susceptibility to prevalent pests and problems. Nevertheless, similar to numerous plant species, it is susceptible to susceptibility to general parasites, including scale insects (Coccoidea) and borers (of various families). Consuming the tree’s sap or wood, these parasites can cause the plant to become weakened and more vulnerable to environmental stressors and diseases. Consistent surveillance and upkeep of plant health constitute the most effective safeguards against these potential challenges.

Interesting Facts

Buckthorn bully contributes to biodiversity, stabilizes soil, and provides sustenance and habitat for wildlife.
Wild-harvested plants are utilized locally for wood and sustenance purposes.
The plant’s fruits can be consumed raw or processed into preserves and jellies.
Although fruit pulp is thin, it is edible and squirrels and birds ingest it.
Livestock consume the foliage of the plant.
Deer are known to consume branches.
Upon breaking, the leaves and stems will exude a milky fluid.
The stems of the plant bear thorns.
The plant does not possess an invasive or problematic nature.
For optimal results, plant Buckthorn bully in early spring or autumn.
It functions as a larval host for butterflies.