Rhamnus cathartica (Purging buckthorn)
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Beginner skill rating |
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4m max. spread |
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6m max. height |
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20-50 years to maturity |
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1 hour care per year |
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This plant is toxic! |
Botanical name: Rhamnus cathartica
Other names: Purging buckthorn, Waythorn, French berry, Rainberry thorn, Rhineberry thorn, Common buckthorn, Common hart's horn, European buckthorn
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Genus: Rhamnus
Species: R. cathartica - 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.
Rhamnus cathartica is: Deciduous
Flower: Yellow in Spring; Yellow in Summer
Foliage: Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Yellow in Autumn
Fruit: Red, Black in Autumn
Habit: Bushy
Toxicity: All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.
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Watch out for
Pests: Generally pest free.
Diseases: Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation methods: Seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings. REGISTER to read more...
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Rhamnus cathartica (Purging buckthorn) will reach a height of 6m and a spread of 4m after 20-50 years.
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Suggested uses: Coastal, Cottage/Informal, Drought Tolerant, Hedging/Screens, Low Maintenance, Wildlife
Cultivation: Grows in most soils in sun or partial shade.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) |  |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | |
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Rhamnus cathartica
Comment from
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.
- Views: 286
- Replies: 0
- Posted: Sat. 16th May 2009 18:12
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