Purging Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

Referred to as Purging Buckthorn it is a huge, dense, spiky deciduous shrub that grows best in calcareous soils but can tolerate most types of soil. It has a suckering habit. It is significant to wildlife because the caterpillars of the Brimstone butterfly only have two food sources—its leaves—and because the larvae of Tiger Moths feed on it and the adult Brimstones are drawn to the blooms.

Many different types of species find food and shelter in it, and its dense growth draws in birds searching for somewhere to build nests.

Tree attributes

Easy to plant, little cultivation needed
Suitable for windy sites and high altitude
Can be planted in clay, chalk and light sandy soils
Can still grow in partial shade
Grows to a height of 10 metres