What is frangulas?

Frangula is a plant genus in the family Rhamnaceae. The genus is native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Frangula species are commonly known as buckthorns, and they are small to medium-sized shrubs or trees that grow up to 10 meters tall.

The most common species of frangula is Frangula alnus, also known as alder buckthorn. Alder buckthorn has dark green oval leaves and produces small, red berries. It is often used in landscaping and is also used to treat constipation and as a laxative.

Another species, Frangula purshiana, also known as cascara, is native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Cascara bark is used in herbal medicine as a laxative and is an FDA-approved ingredient in over-the-counter constipation treatments.

Frangula plants are often found along streams, in damp woodlands, and on hillsides. They are important for wildlife, as their berries provide food for birds and small mammals. However, they can also be invasive in certain areas and can compete with native plant species.