European buckthorn (Rhamnus lycioides)

Also known as: Mediterranean buckthorn

Desert Thorn (Lycium spp.) is an incredibly resilient plant, flourishing in gritty and eroded soils. Its thorny branches deter grazing animals, ensuring that its nutrient-rich berries are available for small birds in arid and dry forest habitats. Additionally, the berries of Desert Thorn can be harvested for various uses, including traditional medicine.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of European buckthorn

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.5 m to 3 m

Spread

Up to 2 meters (6.5 feet)

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

0.2-0.4 cm (0.08-0.16 inches)

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of European buckthorn

Quickly Identify European buckthorn

Look for thorny branches and small, greenish flowers. The leaves are small, narrow, and usually have a distinctive pattern of veins.

Scientific Classification of European buckthorn

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Rosales

Family

Buckthorn

Genus

Buckthorns

Species

European buckthorn

Planting and Growing of European buckthorn

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water European buckthorn?

Rhamnus lycioides should be watered with approximately 500 ml of water per session. The principle to follow is to water deeply, ensuring the entire root system receives moisture, without leaving pools of standing water at the base.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered European buckthorn? ›

What should I do if my European buckthorn is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered European buckthorn? ›

How to save an overwatered European buckthorn? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for European buckthorn?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Rhamnus lycioides ideally needs 6 to 8 hours of full sun to partial sun. This balance ensures optimal energy for photosynthesis, promoting healthy physiological functions and growth.

What is the ideal lighting for Rhamnus lycioides? ›

How can I ensure ideal lighting for Rhamnus lycioides? ›

What are the benefits of proper lighting for Rhamnus lycioides? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for European buckthorn?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 77℉

Rhamnus lycioides thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 77°F. These conditions mimic its native habitat, promoting optimal growth and health. This range allows for proper enzymatic activities and nutrient absorption, essential for its vigor.

What Soil is Best for European buckthorn?

Soil type: Loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Rhamnus lycioides thrives in well-drained soils which prevent root rot by allowing excess water to escape. This condition nurtures healthy root development and overall plant vigor. This plant favors calcareous soils due to their calcium richness, vital for cell wall structure. The abundance of calcium helps in sturdy growth and resilience against diseases. Rhamnus lycioides benefits from loamy soils that offer a balanced nutrient composition, ensuring the plant receives essential nutrients for optimum growth and berry production.

How to Fertilize European buckthorn?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Rhamnus lycioides prefers a moderate quantity of fertilizer. For liquid fertilizers, use a solution diluted to half the recommended strength to avoid root burn. Apply approximately 500ml of this solution per plant each month. For slow-release fertilizers, follow the instructions to apply around 30 grams per plant three times a year.

How to Prune European buckthorn?

Pruning Time: Spring, Autumn

Start by examining the bush to identify any dead, diseased, or crowded branches. Removing these first will help you see the plant's natural structure. Make clean cuts close to the branch base, avoiding too deep cuts into the trunk. This approach minimizes injury to the plant, promoting quicker healing. Focus on trimming the inner branches to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. This reduces the risk of fungal infections, promoting overall plant health. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate European buckthorn plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring

Fill seed trays or pots with a light, well-draining potting mix. This provides a hospitable environment for seeds to germinate or cuttings to root, reducing the risk of rot.

Scatter the seeds evenly on the surface of the soil. Cover lightly with additional soil, as Rhamnus lycioides seeds need light to germinate. Water gently to avoid washing away the seeds.

Cut a healthy shoot about 10-15 cm long from the parent plant. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

How to Repot European buckthorn plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2 years

Rhamnus lycioides should be repotted when you notice the roots beginning to grow through the drainage holes or if the plant's growth has noticeably stalled. These are clear signs that the current pot is too small and limiting the plant's development.

Select a pot that is only one size larger than the current one. A slightly larger pot prevents the risk of overwatering and gives the roots enough room to grow. Opt for a pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Choose a well-draining sandy soil mix to mimic the Rhamnus lycioides' natural environment. This type of soil allows for adequate water flow and aeration, which are crucial for healthy root development and preventing waterlogged conditions.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.