How to Grow Common Buckthorn - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Common buckthorn is a woody shrub that is native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to North America in the 1800s for use in hedges and as a ornamental plant. Common buckthorn can grow up to 6 m (20 ft) tall and is characterized by its dark-colored bark and small, dark-colored berries. The leaves of the common buckthorn are alternate, simple, and have serrated margins. Common buckthorn is a invasive species in North America and can outcompete native plants for light, water, and nutrients. It can form dense thickets that prevent the growth of other plants and alter the composition of native plant communities.

How to Grow Common Buckthorn - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Glossy Buckthorn
  • Alder-leaved Buckthorn
  • European Buckthorn
  • Common Buckthorn
  • Wayfaring Tree

Things to Know

  • Common buckthorn is an invasive shrub that can easily take over an ecosystem.
  • It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
  • It was introduced to North America in the 1800s for use as a hedge plant.
  • Common buckthorn can grow up to 20 feet tall and forms dense thickets.
  • The shrub produces small black fruits that are eaten by birds.
  • The birds then spread the seeds in their droppings, leading to new infestations.
  • Common buckthorn invades forests, fields, and wetlands.
  • It outcompetes native plants for resources, alters habitats, and decreases biodiversity.
  • Common buckthorn can be controlled through mechanical removal and chemical herbicides.
  • You can help control common buckthorn by removing it from your property and not planting it in the first place.

Related plant:
Common Shrubs

Growing Steps

  1. For common buckthorn, first step is to find a sunny location.
  2. Second step is to clear the area of debris and weeds.
  3. Third step is to loosen the soil with a shovel or tiller.
  4. Fourth step is to add organic matter to the soil, if needed.
  5. Fifth step is to take a stem cutting from a buckthorn plant.
  6. Sixth step is to plant the stem cutting in the prepared soil.
  7. Seventh step is to water the planting area regularly.
  8. Eighth step is to fertilize the plant if needed.
  9. Ninth step is to prune the plant as needed.
  10. Tenth step is to enjoy your buckthorn plant!

Related plant:
Common Ninebark

The Soil

About soil condition, Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a soil generalist and can tolerate a wide range of soils including loamy, sandy, and clay soils. It can also tolerate soils with high or low pH levels, as well as soils that are wet or dry.

About light

Like the other plants, common buckthorn needs sunlight to grow. However, this plant can tolerate shade more than most. It can grow in both full sun and partial shade. If you live in an area with cold winters, it's best to plant common buckthorn in a spot that gets some sun during the day to help the plant stay warm.

The Temperature

The temperature conditions that are optimal for common buckthorn growth are 21-23 degrees Celsius. When the temperature drops below this, the growth of the plant significantly slows down. If the temperature rises above this range, the growth of the plant will be stunted. Common buckthorn can withstand short periods of time outside of this temperature range, but prolonged exposure will damage the plant.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%-50%. If the humidity falls below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow.

The Fertilizer

Regarding fertilizer, this type of plant does best with soil that is high in organic matter. Common buckthorn is known to be a heavy feeder, and benefits from being fertilized regularly. As for the roots, they are known to be quite aggressive and can easily invade and choke out other plants.

About light

Pruning is an important aspect of caring for common buckthorn plants. When pruning, it is important to remove any dead or diseased branches. It is also important to prune back any branches that are growing too close to the ground.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown in the fall. Seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are about 8 inches (20 cm) tall. Common buckthorn can also be propagated by softwood cuttings taken in the spring.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is relatively slow, however, in some cases it has been found to grow up to 2 feet per year. The slow growth is likely attributed to the small, dark leaves that it has. The leaves are so small that they do not photosynthesize very well, which in turn means that the plant does not have a lot of energy to grow. Additionally, the common buckthorn has a shallow root system, which also contributes to its slow growth.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, scale, and leaf miners. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feeding by sucking plant juices from leaves, stems, and flowers. They are often found in large groups and can cause leaves to curl, distort, or yellow. Scale are small, protected by a hard shell, and feeding by sucking plant juices from leaves and stems. They can cause leaves to yellow and drop off. Leaf miners are small insects that live and feed between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves. They can cause leaves to discolor and drop off.

Growing Tips

  • If you're growing common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) from seed, start with fresh, viable seeds.
  • Common buckthorn can be propagated from softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
  • Choose a planting site that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
  • Space common buckthorn plants 3 to 4 feet apart.
  • When planting common buckthorn, dig a hole that's as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
  • Gently remove the plant from its container and place it in the planting hole.
  • Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
  • Water the plant deeply and regularly during its first growing season to help it establish a strong root system.
  • Apply a layer of mulch around the base

Similar Plants

  • bitternut
  • black cherry
  • chokecherry
  • blackhaw
  • bush
  • downy
  • dogwood
  • flowering dogwood
  • highbush cranberry
  • hawthorn

Source:
Common Buckthorn | Keweenaw Invasive Species Management …
Common Buckthorn - Colorado Master Gardener
Cornell Cooperative Extension | Common Buckthorn

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