Buckthorn bully (Sideroxylon lycioides)

Also known as: Precious Silverline, Buckthorn Buckthorn

Sideroxylon lycioides, known as the southern buckthorn or buckthorn bully, is a member of the Sapotaceae family. This small tree is commonly found across the southeastern United States, ranging from Texas to New Jersey.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Buckthorn bully

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Plant Height

20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters)

Spread

15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters)

Leaf Color

Dark green

Flower Size

0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 7 millimeters)

Flower Color

White to greenish

Images of Buckthorn bully

Quickly Identify Buckthorn bully

Tiny white flowers in star-like clusters

Smooth oval berries changing from red to purplish-black

Thorny stems with milky sap exudation

Shiny green leaves with wedge-shaped base and pointed tip

Bark transitioning from smooth to scaly, revealing red inner layers

Scientific Classification of Buckthorn bully

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ericales

Family

Sapodilla

Genus

Bully trees

Species

Buckthorn bully

Planting and Growing of Buckthorn bully

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Buckthorn bully?

When watering Sideroxylon lycioides, aim to provide around 500 milliliters of water each time. The soil should be allowed to dry out between watering sessions to prevent root rot. Water until the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged, ensuring excess water drains away.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Buckthorn bully? ›

What should I do if my Buckthorn bully is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Buckthorn bully? ›

How to save an overwatered Buckthorn bully? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Buckthorn bully?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

The plant thrives best in full sun environments but can tolerate partial sun. Ideal lighting promotes healthy foliage, enabling better flowering and disease resistance.

What are the ideal lighting conditions? ›

How to maintain ideal conditions? ›

What benefits come from ideal lighting? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Buckthorn bully?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Sideroxylon lycioides thrives best when the ambient temperature is consistently within 60 to 75°F. This range mimics its native subtropical environment, allowing it to maximize photosynthesis and minimize stress. As a result, the plant is able to maintain a robust growth rate and optimal health.

What Soil is Best for Buckthorn bully?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Sideroxylon lycioides thrives in soil that offers good drainage. Well-draining soil prevents waterlogging, which is critical to avoid root rot and ensures that the roots get necessary airflow. This plant benefits from nutrient-rich soil that supports its growth and vitality. The availability of essential nutrients aids in vigorous leaf production and overall health. While good drainage is crucial, the soil should also retain enough moisture to sustain the plant between watering. This balance promotes healthy development and resilience to drought conditions.

How to Fertilize Buckthorn bully?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Sideroxylon lycioides responds well to a balanced blend of nutrients; typically, using a liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength is recommended. Apply approximately 100-150 ml per plant, ensuring uniform coverage around the root zone.

How to Prune Buckthorn bully?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Begin by inspecting the tree for any damaged or diseased branches, these should be removed first. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts at a slight angle. Aim to open up the canopy by thinning out dense areas, allowing sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate. Always cut back to a branch or bud that faces the direction you want new growth to occur. Remember to step back periodically to assess the overall shape and balance of the tree. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Buckthorn bully plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Begin by soaking the seeds in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and enhance germination rates. After soaking, plant the seeds in a seed tray filled with a well-draining mix and cover lightly.

Select healthy, disease-free stems and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut ends in rooting hormone to stimulate root development.

Insert the cuttings into pots filled with moist propagation mix. Water the mix lightly to settle it around the cutting. Cover with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity and place in a warm area with indirect sunlight.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Buckthorn bully plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Sideroxylon lycioides typically needs repotting when you notice roots emerging from the drainage holes, or if growth becomes stunted and leaves start yellowing. Repotting in spring or autumn can help minimize stress on the plant.

Select a pot one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes. A slightly larger pot allows roots to spread comfortably, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth.

A loamy, well-draining soil mix is essential. This type of soil provides the necessary balance of moisture retention and aeration, which is crucial for preventing waterlogging while delivering essential nutrients.