Dahurian Buckthorn
Rhamnus dahurica
Family: Rhamnaceae
What it is like
Rhamnus dahurica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 7
Where it is found
Forest undergrowth in the Himalayas. Forests on slopes, thickets or the margin of forests, humid places along the sides of canals at elevations under 1800 metres in China.
E. Asia - Siberia to China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - cooked. They can be parboiled and eaten. The leaves are a tea substitute.
Oil: Oil
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The fleshy fruit is used as medicine. No more details are given.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating: 3
A green dye is obtained from the leaves and branches. A yellow dye can be obtained from the bark and the fruit. A lubricating oil is obtained from the seeds. Plants can be grown as an informal hedge, they are also amenable to trimming. The hard wood can be used to make furniture.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
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.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any reasonably good soil. This species is very closely related to R. cathartica. 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. 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 Secondary; Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-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.