Dahurian Buckthorn (Rhamnus dahurica)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −28.9 °C
Cultivation
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.
Propagation
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.
Edible uses
Leaves - cooked. They can be parboiled and eaten. The leaves are a tea substitute.
Material uses
A green dye is obtained from the leaves and branches. Plants can be grown as an informal hedge, they are also amenable to trimming.
Habitat
Forest undergrowth in the Himalayas.
Native range
E. Asia - Siberia to China.