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Cornell University

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

Shrub > 8 feet

18' - 25' (equal spread)

Deciduous

large shrub or low-branched tree; rounded crown

adaptable to different conditions; tough and durable

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun, Part shade

3b

Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

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

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
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