Natural England

Natural England

Gardening with Wildlife in Mind

The Plant Press

© 2006-2008. Database provided and managed on behalf of Natural England by The Plant Press. Designed and implemented by Ideal Integration Ltd

 

Search

Type a name in the box (see Help for simple rules) or set the criteria you want to use for the search. Click an item to see details and links. To search for the complete list of plants and/or creatures type a space in the box before you press Search.

   

Buckthorn - Rhamnus catharticus

Buckthorn - Rhamnus catharticusBuckthorn - Rhamnus catharticus
© Peter Roworth
UK distribution - East Anglia, Midlands, North, South East, South West

This is a many-branched, thorny shrub the toothed leaves of which lie opposite each other on the grey-brown branches. The leaves are bright green on top and light green underneath, turning yellow in autumn. The small, yellow-green flowers appear from May to June, the sexes being found on separate plants. Buckthorn has juicy black berries that are seen in clusters. These are poisonous.

This is the main foodplant of the larvae of the brimstone butterfly, in areas with chalky soils.

Animals

Blackbird, Blackcap, Brimstone, Butterflies, Holly blue, Mistle thrush, Song thrush, Starling

FoliageGreen
FlowerGreen, May to June
MoistureAverage (Average)
SunlightFull sun to Part-shadeFull sun to Part-shade (Full sun to Part-shade)
OriginNative