Purging buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica
Promotional Terms & Conditions:
Buy a Pack of 1 Purging buckthorn and get one free gift bag**, buy a Pack of 4 Purging buckthorn and receive four free gift bags (selected packs only)!
Each gift bag is blank so you can add your own decoration - no bows or ribbons are included - and they all come with a biodegradable waterproof liner. Simply pop your tree into the liner and place the liner in the bag for a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Free Bag Terms & Conditions**: This discount is only valid on selected tree mixes and packs. Promotion valid for Mainland UK delivery only. Prices are subject to change at any time. The free promotional gift is not returnable, redeemable for money or exchangeable. We reserve the right to cancel this promotion at any time. All tree-only orders qualify for free delivery. Valid from 28 November 2025 until 17 December 2025 (at 11.59pm). For full terms, please see our Shop Terms and Conditions of purchase.
Purging buckthorn:
Purging buckthorn is named after the laxative effects its berries induce when eaten. It is a source of food and shelter for a range of wildlife and its dense growth attracts bids looking for nesting sites.
Estimated full grown height:
8-10 metres, growing an estimated 30cm each year.
Purchase size and growth:
These trees are cell-grown saplings, ranging from approximately 15cm-60cm in height. Cell grown trees can be planted all year round in most situations as long as they are given the correct care. Please be aware that depending upon the time of year you receive your sapling (particularly early spring) it may not look very perky upon arrival, but please do not worry, as once it has been planted it should pick up quickly.
Value to wildlife:
Purging buckthorn is the main food plant of the brimstone butterfly, whose caterpillars eat the leaves, while its flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar for bees and other insects. Its dense growth also makes the tree a valuable nesting site for birds.
Purging buckthorn preferred soil type or environmental conditions:
Purging buckthorn is a hardy tree and grows well in most soils, in shade or sunlight.
UK and Ireland Sourced and Grown (UKISG):
Every sapling that we provide is UK and Ireland sourced and grown to minimise the risk of importing and spreading tree pests and diseases. Seeds are collected and stored in the UK and Ireland, and they are all coded and batched so that we can track each individual tree.
Learn more about this tree on our purging buckthorn species profile.
The images in this product listing show the saplings bundled and wrapped. This plastic wrap is made from LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and is 100% recyclable, we encourage users to recycle them when you are ready to plant your trees.
