Bareroot Rhamnus cathartica (Buckthorn)

A tough, deciduous shrub or small tree that thrives in challenging conditions, with glossy green leaves arranged alternately along thorny branches that create a dense, twiggy structure. Small, inconspicuous greenish yellow flowers appear in spring, developing into clusters of dark purple black berries that persist into winter, providing food for birds. The oval leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling, revealing the distinctive black buds that remain prominent throughout winter. Well suited to poor, dry soils and exposed sites, it forms an effective informal hedge or barrier planting, though its vigorous suckering habit requires management in smaller spaces. Particularly valued for its extreme hardiness and ability to thrive where other plants struggle, though the berries should be noted as toxic to humans. A robust choice for wildlife gardens and difficult sites.

Family of Trees: Rhamnaceae

Habit: Deciduous Shrub/Tree, Thorny

Growth Rate: 30-50 cm/year

Optimal Temperature: 10-25°C, hardy to -25°C

Harmful if Eaten?: Berries toxic

Flowers or Berries: Greenish Flowers, Black Berries

Hardiness: H6 (Very Hardy)

Hardiness ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

○ H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
○ H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
○ H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
○ H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
○ H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
○ H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
○ H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
○ H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
○ H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)