Rhamnus cathartica

Save

Purging buckthornShrub, Tree, DeciduousFamily: Rhamnaceae

Height: 10mSpread: 4m

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

White

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade

Shade Type:

Damp

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Purging buckthorn is a small tree, often used as a shrub or hedging plant, which is native to England and Wales and much of Europe. It has grey-brown bark and spiny branches, and glossy, dark green, toothed leaves, which turn yellow before falling in autumn. Purging buckthorn is dioceous, meaning its yellow-green, male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. After pollination the female flowers develop into slightly poisonous black berries. Indeed, purging buckthorn is so named due to its traditional use as a laxative, thanks to the purgative effects of eating the berries. It can grow to an eventual height of 10m.

It's very closely related to alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus), which is thornless.

In the United States of America, purging buckthorn is highly invasive. However, in Britain, being native, it has no such problems. What's more, purging buckthorn is a fantastic wildlife plant – its leave are used as a caterpillar food plant by the brimstone butterfly, its flowers are visited by pollinators and its berries are eaten by birds. It makes a fantastic addition to a wildlife hedge.

Where to buy purging buckthorn

This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made. Please read our affiliates FAQ page to find out more.

Rhamnus ‘cathartica’ and wildlife

Rhamnus ‘cathartica’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It is a caterpillar food plant, has nectar/pollen rich flowers, provides shelter and habitat, has seeds for birds and makes a good wildlife hedge.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Rhamnus ‘cathartica’ poisonous?

Rhamnus ‘cathartica’ causes an upset stomach. Its foliage and fruit are toxic.

Toxic to:

Is known to attract Cats

Cats

Is known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is known to attract Horses

Horses

Is known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is known to attract People

People

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds