This species is widespread across southeastern states, but it is common only on base-rich soils. Var. caroliniana may be concentrated east of the Mississippi Rv., while var. mollis is predominant to the west. Deeper analysis is needed to assess the taxonomic significance of this pattern. A good common name for this species has yet to be adopted--"Carolina Buckthorn" does not match its lack of thorns. Ethnobotanical uses might provide suggestions, perhaps following the famous laxative effect from bark of the Californian relative, F. purshiana (DC.) Gray. It is remarkable that deer generally avoid browsing on F. caroliniana. Distinction of the closely related genera, Frangula, Endotropis and Rhamnus sensu stricto, rermains a somewhat complex matter; see citations of W. Frangula differs from Endotropis plus Rhamnus sensu stricto as follows (W): winter buds naked, pubescent (versus with scales, glabrate); flowers perfect (versus functionally unisexual), sepals and stamens 5 (versus 4 or 5); petals 5 (versus 0 or 4); style undivided (versus divided partly into 2,4 or 5 segments); leaves with 8-10 lateral veins on either side of the midvein (versus 2-11), these veins nearly straight and parallel (versus often somewhat arching and divergent); leaves alternate (versus alternate, subopposite or opposite).