Rhamnus cathartica Common buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhamnus cathartica
Common buckthorn
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhamnus cathartica plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Rhamnaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Common buckthorn.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhamnus cathartica
Common Name:  Common buckthorn
Family:  Rhamnaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The fruit is purgative but not seriously poisonous[186]. Other parts of the plant may also be poisonous[10, 19, 76, 186].

Mature Height:  6   Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Fen peat, scrub, hedges, ash and oak woods, on calcareous often dry soils[17].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[11]. Prefers a dry or moist calcareous soil[1, 4, 9] in sun or light dappled shade[200]. This species is hardy to at least -15°c[238]. Plants regenerate well after cutting or burning but young plants are rather prone to frost damage when grown in an exposed position[186]. Plants are resistant to cattle grazing but young plants can be damaged by rabbits[186]. Plants have a very shallow root system[186]. This species often bears the aecidospore stage of 'crown rust' of oats so it should not be grown near cereals[1, 186]. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. A good bee plant[4, 108] and a main food plant for the brimstone butterfly[186]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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