Purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

Create a haven for wildlife with purging buckthorn.
Availability: In stock
SKU: RHCA
  • *
£10.95

Purging buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica

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.

Purging buckthorn 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.

Purging buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica

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.

Purging buckthorn 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.

Planting information:

As a rough guide, trees are usually planted at around 2m intervals but please take into account the final size of the tree and be aware of buildings, services and other plants nearby to ensure that damage cannot occur from the roots and canopy as the tree grows.

Oct-Feb - This is the best time of year for planting trees and your sapling is dormant, as long as it is kept free from frost and wind as well as being kept moist and in light conditions then it will last a few weeks before planting.

Mar-Sept - Your sapling is growing fast and will need planting as soon as possible. Planting it immediately will ensure it does not dry out, lose nutrients etc.

Please note that you may require tree protection if your saplings will be at risk of damage from mammals such as rabbits or deer. Take a look at our available tree protection options.

On-going care requirements:

Once planted, your tree will need some care and attention for a few years; this will mainly be weeding around the base to reduce the competition for nutrients and ensuring your tree has enough water. For more information about caring for your trees, click here.

Free delivery 

Free standard delivery for all trees within 10 working days. Orders of more than 900 trees may take longer.

Order information

We are unable to hold or delay orders. Multiple items or accessories may be delivered separately.

Sapling appearance

You will receive a cell-grown sapling, approximately 15-60cm in height. Depending on the season (especially early spring), your sapling may not look very perky on arrival. Don't worry - once planted, it should recover quickly.

Shipping restrictions

We do not deliver to Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

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