Species: Rhamnus cathartica

(ram'nus kah-thar'tih-kah)

Rhamnus cathartica

Common Buckthorn

Found on Course Walks

Native and Invasive Plants

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

None Listed

Cultivars

No cultivars listed

Ornamental Characteristics

Size: Shrub > 8 feet

Height: 18' - 25' (equal spread)

Leaves: Deciduous

Shape: large shrub or low-branched tree; rounded crown

Ornamental Other: adaptable to different conditions; tough and durable

Environmental Characteristics

Light: Full sun, Part shade

Hardy To Zone: 3b

Soil Ph: Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

Environmental Other: glossy green foliage (fall foliage not appreciable); thorns; black fruit liked by birds; dark grey bark

Moisture Tolerance: Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil; Prolonged periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

leaf spots, rust, powdery mildew, aphids, scales; often prohibited in areas where oats are grown since it is alternate host to crown rust disease

Bare Root Transplanting

Other

Native to Europe, Western Asia, INVASIVE in US

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil

Consistently moist, well-drained soil

Occasional periods of dry soil

Prolonged periods of dry soil

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12