Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica) is a perennial shrub in the Rhamnaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full sun or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-7. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

A deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree native to Europe and western Asia, now invasive in North America.

Common Buckthorn

Common Buckthorn

Rhamnus Cathartica

A deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree native to Europe and western Asia, now invasive in North America.

Quick Facts

Type
shrub
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
3-7

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:clay, loamy, sandy
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:hedge, screen

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Common Buckthorn

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Common Buckthorn
Common Buckthorn detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Rhamnaceae
Genus:Rhamnus