Species PlantsCommon Buckthorn

Common Buckthorn

Rhamnus cathartica

CommonPlant
Illustration of Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Safety note: Berries can cause mild toxicity if ingested.

Common Buckthorn is a deciduous shrub or small tree with dark berries and glossy leaves. It is invasive, forming dense thickets that crowd out native species. Its berries are mildly toxic to humans.

Habitat
Found in forests, fields, and along roadsides.
Diet
Its flowers are pollinated by bees and other insects.
How common
Common

Recent Common Buckthorn sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Common Buckthorn? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More plants

Adam's Needle
Adam's Needle
Yucca filamentosa
Adonis Blazingstar
Adonis Blazingstar
Mentzelia multiflora
Allegheny Blackberry
Allegheny Blackberry
Rubus allegheniensis
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Allegheny Monkeyflower
Mimulus ringens
Allegheny Serviceberry
Allegheny Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis
American Alumroot
American Alumroot
Heuchera americana
American Basswood
American Basswood
Tilia americana
American Beautyberry
American Beautyberry
Callicarpa americana