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Rhamnus croceus - Nutt.

Common Name Red Berry
Family Rhamnaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, there is the suggestion that some members of this genus could be mildly poisonous[65].
Habitats Scrub and open forests below 1500 metres[184]. Dry washes and canyons[71].
Range South-western N. America - California to Arizona, south to Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Rhamnus croceus Red Berry


Rhamnus croceus Red Berry

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Rhamnus croceus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft 1in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:

Fruit - raw[46, 61, 105, 257]. If eaten in large quantities they can temporarily tinge the skin red[2, 183]. The fruit is about 5 - 6mm in diameter[200] and has a thin dry flesh[82]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[11]. Requires a well-drained sunny site[200]. Plants are possibly hardy to -15°c according to one report[184], whilst another says that this species is rather tender in Britain[1]. The sub-species R. croceus ilicifolia. Greene. often forms a tree up to 7 metres tall[82]. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. The flowers are produced in small clusters in the leaf axils or from small persistent bracts on shoots of the year[82]. Plants of this species can be hermaphrodite or dioecious[82]. If fruit and seed is required it is necessary to grow a hermaphrodite form, or male and female forms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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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[200]. 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[113]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring[4].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Rhamnus alaternusItalian BuckthornShrub5.0 6-9 FLMHSNDM002
Rhamnus carolinianusIndian Cherry, Oak, Carolina BuckthornTree12.0 5-9 SLMHSNM212
Rhamnus catharticaCommon BuckthornShrub6.0 3-7  LMHSNDM033
Rhamnus dahuricaDahurian BuckthornShrub7.0 4-8  LMHSNM113
Rhamnus frangulaAlder BuckthornShrub5.0 3-7 SLMHSNMWe033
Rhamnus globosalokaoShrub3.0 0-0  LMHSNM002
Rhamnus grandiflora Shrub4.0 -  LMHSNM20 
Rhamnus japonicaJapanese buckthornShrub3.0 4-8  LMHSNM112
Rhamnus leptophyllus Shrub1.8 5-9  LMHSNM10 
Rhamnus lycioides Shrub0.0 -  LMHNDM001
Rhamnus nepalensis Shrub1.5 -  LMHSNM11 
Rhamnus persicus Shrub1.0 -  LMHSNM202
Rhamnus purpureus Shrub0.0 -  LMHSNM01 
Rhamnus purshianaCascara SagradaTree10.0 -  LMHSNM232
Rhamnus saxatilisAvignon Berry, Rock buckthornShrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM001
Rhamnus saxatilis tinctoriusDyer's BuckthornShrub2.0 5-9  LMHSNM001
Rhamnus triquetra Shrub7.0 -  LMHSNM012
Rhamnus utilisChinese BuckthornShrub3.0 -  LMHNM002
Rhamnus virgatus Shrub2.0 -  LMHSNM112

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Nutt.

Botanical References

71200

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Subject : Rhamnus croceus  
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