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Rhamnus cathartica (Purging buckthorn)

Other names: Waythorn, French berry, Rainberry thorn, Rhineberry thorn, Common buckthorn, Common hart's horn, European buckthorn

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Species
R. cathartica is a spiny deciduous shrub or small tree. It has rounded, shiny, dark-green leaves and in summer, bears clusters of very small, creamy yellow flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. In autumn, it produces shiny red berries that ripen to black and its foliage yellows.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
6 m 4 m 20-50 years
19 ft 13 ft 20-50 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Partial Shade
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
  • North
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Grows in most soils in sun or partial shade.

Suggested uses

Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildlife

UK hardiness

H7

USDA zones

Sunset zone

1, 2, 3

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Bushy

Native to

Europe, Asia, Northwestern Africa

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

Plant care

Pruning

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Generally disease free.

Selective pruning only (only if needed)

Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late-summer

Sow seed in containers in cold frame (anytime)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (4)

Rhamnus

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Rhamnus alaternus 'Argenteovariegata'
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Rhamnus alaternus 'Argenteovariegata' Italian buckthorn 'Argenteovariegata'
Rhamnus cathartica
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Rhamnus cathartica Purging buckthorn
Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris
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Rhamnus ludovici-salvatoris Balearic Island buckthorn
Rhamnus alaternus 'John Edwards'
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Rhamnus alaternus 'John Edwards' Italian buckthorn 'John Edwards'
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Companion plants (0)

Related content

Discuss Rhamnus cathartica with other Shoot members

Rhamnus cathartica

Shoot User
771 0
Buckthorn has juicy black berries that are seen in clusters. These are poisonous.This is the main foodplant of the larvae of the brimstone butterfly, in areas with chalky soils.
Posted: Saturday 16th of May 2009 05:12 PM Last reply: Saturday 1st of March 2025 02:53 AM
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