Chinese Buckthorn
Rhamnus utilis
Family: Rhamnaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Roadsides and thickets in W. Hupeh, to 1600 metres.
E. Asia - E. and C. China, S. Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Oil: Oil
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A green dye is obtained from the bark. It is obtained from the leaves. The fruit, bark and leaves contain a yellow dyestuff. An oil obtained from the seed is used as a lubricant.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil. Requires a well-drained soil in a sunny position. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species is dioecious - both male and female plants will need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
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.