Rhamnus carthatica - Buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica - Buckthorn

Location: Exchange Quays, Manchester. Buckthorn is a large deciduous shrub, usually about 5m tall. It's a common plant in parks and rural areas, strangely I found this specimen in a public area. It is generally disease and pest free this one seems to be in good condition, It's location receives enough sunlight and is in good well drained but moist soil.

Leaves are dark green, waxy and ovulate, they have finely serrated margins.

The berries are glossy can appear in Autumn in black and red colours, they are poisonous and have a purgative effect (hence catharticus).

The trunk is smooth and dark brown.