Buckthorn (Rhamnus) — Shrubs
Rhamnus cathartica
Full sun, light watering — hardy anywhere in the UK.
- Sow
- Oct
- Plant out
- Jun–Nov
- In flower
- May, Jun
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Hardiness
- H7
- Season
- all year
- Height
- 400–800 cm
- Spacing
- 400 cm
- Pets
- Toxic to pets
- Bee friendly
- Bee friendly
- Native
- Native
Growing notes
Grows to 4-8 metres. Space about 250-400cm apart. In flower May-Jun.
Toxic to pets
Buckthorn berries are harmful to people if eaten: they act as a powerful laxative and cause diarrhoea, sickness and stomach pain, so keep children from the berries. Dogs and cats that eat them are affected in the same way. If a person eats the berries, get medical advice; if a pet does, ring your vet.
→ NHS 111 for a person (999 in an emergency); your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for an animal