Common Buckthorn (rhamnus cathartica)

SKU:
£1.33
1.33 490 £1.33 - £490.00
Unavailable
per item

Bare-rooted trees available only between November and late April. Orders will only be dispatched during this period when the trees are not in active growth.

Price each per
1 Tree
10 Trees
25 Trees
100 Trees
1000 Trees
20-40cm
£1.33
£0.91
£0.67
£0.46
£0.38
40-60cm
£1.72
£1.18
£0.86
£0.59
£0.49
​Prices stated do not include delivery and V.A.T. which will be added at the checkout.
​
Planting Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
  • Native UK species, commonly found in scrub, woodland, and hedgerows, especially on chalky soils in England and southern Wales.
  • Highly valuable for wildlife: sole larval foodplant (along with Alder Buckthorn) for Brimstone butterfly caterpillars; supports Tiger Moth larvae; flowers attract adult butterflies and bees; black berries provide autumn food for birds.
  • Forms dense, thorny thickets ideal for secure hedging, wildlife habitats, or informal barriers up to 6-8m tall.
  • Attractive glossy dark green leaves turning yellow in autumn; produces small yellowish-green flowers and red-to-black berries.
Planting Guide
  • Site selection: Tolerates full sun, partial shade, or full shade; prefers moist but well-drained soil; thrives on chalky/calcareous soils but adapts to most types, including poor or coastal conditions.
  • Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK.
  • Planting time: Best in dormant season (November-March) using bare-root plants.
  • Spacing: For hedging, plant 30-45cm apart in a single row or staggered double row.
  • Care: Water well in first year; minimal pruning needed (summer if required); can be coppiced for regrowth.​
  • Caution: Berries and leaves mildly toxic to humans/pets (laxative effect); consider wearing gloves when handling; plant is dioecious (needs male and female for berries).
Text summery written with the assistance of Grok but content edited and checked for accuracy by a human bean