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Rhamnus utilis - Decne.

Common Name Chinese Buckthorn
Family Rhamnaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, there is the suggestion that some members of this genus could be mildly poisonous[65].
Habitats Roadsides and thickets in W. Hupeh, to 1600 metres[109].
Range E. Asia - E. and C. China, S. Japan.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Rhamnus utilis Chinese Buckthorn


Rhamnus utilis Chinese Buckthorn

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Rhamnus utilis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). It is in flower from April to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. 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). . The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Oil

A green dye is obtained from the bark[171]. It is obtained from the leaves[109]. The fruit, bark and leaves contain a yellow dyestuff[266]. An oil obtained from the seed is used as a lubricant[266].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[11]. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position[200]. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. This species is dioecious[266] - both male and female plants will need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Germination is usually good, at least 80% by late spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Gansu Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Rhamnus alaternusItalian BuckthornShrub5.0 6-9 FLMHSNDM002
Rhamnus carolinianusIndian Cherry, Oak, Carolina BuckthornTree12.0 5-9 SLMHSNM212
Rhamnus catharticaCommon BuckthornShrub6.0 3-7  LMHSNDM033
Rhamnus croceusRed BerryShrub4.0 7-10  LMHNDM20 
Rhamnus dahuricaDahurian BuckthornShrub7.0 4-8  LMHSNM113
Rhamnus frangulaAlder BuckthornShrub5.0 3-7 SLMHSNMWe033
Rhamnus globosalokaoShrub3.0 0-0  LMHSNM002
Rhamnus grandiflora Shrub4.0 -  LMHSNM20 
Rhamnus japonicaJapanese buckthornShrub3.0 4-8  LMHSNM112
Rhamnus leptophyllus Shrub1.8 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Rhamnus lycioides Shrub0.0 -  LMHNDM001
Rhamnus nepalensis Shrub1.5 -  LMHSNM11 
Rhamnus persicus Shrub1.0 -  LMHSNM202
Rhamnus purpureus Shrub0.0 -  LMHSNM01 
Rhamnus purshianaCascara SagradaTree10.0 -  LMHSNM232
Rhamnus saxatilisAvignon Berry, Rock buckthornShrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM001
Rhamnus saxatilis tinctoriusDyer's BuckthornShrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM001
Rhamnus triquetra Shrub7.0 -  LMHSNM012
Rhamnus virgatus Shrub2.0 -  LMHSNM112

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

Decne.

Botanical References

11109200

Links / References

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