Chinese Buckthorn

Rhamnus utilis

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

E. Asia - E. and C. China, S. Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil None known

Medicinal Uses

None known

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].