Rhamnus cathartica
purging buckthorn
A dense, thicket-forming, deciduous shrub or small tree to 6m, with spiny shoots bearing glossy dark green leaves which turn yellow in autumn, and small clusters of tiny yellowish-green flowers in late spring or early summer followed by red berries in autumn which ripen to black
Other common names
common buckthorncommon hart's horn
see moreEuropean buckthorn
French berry
rainberry thorn
Rhineberry thorn
waythorn
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow | Black Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Suckering
- Potentially harmful
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Rhamnus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, often thorny, with simple leaves that may colour well in autumn, and tiny yellowish flowers followed by fruit that is typically black
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to C Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Flowers are attractive to bees. Suitable for hedging, wild or woodland gardens. Grow in moist but well drained soil in sun or part shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in a coldframe as soon as ripe, or propagate by softwood cuttings (greenwood) in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely)
Get involved
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