ExplorePlants

common buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica

Common buckthorn is a bushy plant with dark green leaves and small black berries. It grows in many places and can be found in gardens and along roadsides.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The common buckthorn is a tall, often multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with dark, ridged bark and small, oval, glossy dark green leaves. Its inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers give way to clusters of small, black, berry-like fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRhamnaceaeGenusRhamnus
common buckthorn
deciduous trait badgeshrub trait badgedye trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
common buckthorn

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Cut into its bark and you'll discover a secret bright orange layer underneath!

It sprouts leaves earlier and keeps them longer, hogging sunlight from nearby plants!

Its berries are like a natural laxative! Eating too many can cause an upset tummy.

This super tough plant can grow almost anywhere, from fields to deep forests!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Seed Spreader

Common buckthorn can rapidly spread across landscapes because its abundant berries are readily consumed and dispersed by birds.

Ability

Extended Growing Season

Common buckthorn leaves emerge early and stay late, giving it a longer season to outcompete native plants.

Ability

Thorny Defense

Common buckthorn has sharp thorns at the end of its branches, which helps it defend against hungry herbivores.

Measurements & details

Height
300-760 cm
Spread
300-450 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Moderate
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't eat the berries without asking an adult, as they can upset your tummy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common buckthorn?

300-760 cm

How wide does common buckthorn spread?

300-450 cm

How big are the flowers on common buckthorn?

0.3-0.5 cm

When does common buckthorn bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is common buckthorn edible?

No

Is common buckthorn toxic?

Moderate

What is common buckthorn's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common buckthorn pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

More Plants