Carolina Buckthorn  (Frangula caroliniana) is an easy-to-grow small ornamental tree that tolerates a wide range of conditions. The attractive foliage is dark green and shiny during the warm months and turns yellow/orange in autumn. As the berries form, they go from red in late summer to black as they mature; they are especially attractive to birds.
 
Carolina buckthorn has an open, airy form with a shape that is similar to flowering dogwood. It will grow best when it has a bit of shade during hot afternoons..