Avignon Berry, Rock buckthorn
Rhamnus saxatilis

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

Rhamnus saxatilis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in May, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Rocky places on calcareous soils in the Mediterranean.

S.W. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A yellow to greenish dye is obtained from the unripe fruit. This dye was at one time commonly used until the advent of chemically produced dyes.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil. Requires a calcareous soil. Formerly cultivated as a dye plant. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification at about 5° and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

There is the suggestion that this species could be mildly poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. infectoria. L.