European Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica L.
A shrub or small tree growing up to 6.0 m in height. European buckthorn reproduces only by seed. Its leaves are opposite, elliptical in shape and with a finely serrated edge. They are dark green above, yellowish green below and have 2 or 3 pairs of main veins on each side of the midrib. The older branches are tipped with a small thorn (hence the name) which are also often found in the fork between two branches). The flowers are small and greenish to yellowish in colour). Flowering occurs in late May and early June. The fruit is a purplish-black berry with 4 seeds. European buckthorn is an alternate host for crown rust of oats and other cereal crops and in some areas have been destroyed to minimize crop losses. Commonly found in open woods, pastures and along fence-rows.
European Buckthorn – Leaf
