Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

Family: Rhamnaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Rhamnus cathartica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Fen peat, scrub, hedges, ash and oak woods, on calcareous often dry soils. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)