European buckthorn – Rhamnus cathartica (Bare Rooted)

Description

European Buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica, is an interesting bush. It has been used as a laxative for probably hundreds of years, but definitely not recommended now. I don’t think it is a species for a private garden due to the slightly poisonous effect the berries have on humans. I understand that it is one of the very few plants that the Brimstone butterfly lives on, so definitely worth planting in a woodland. It is shade tolerant and will grow under other trees to a height of about 10 metres. It will grow in all types of soil.