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].

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months stratification at 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[113]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring[4].

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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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