Sawleaf Buckthorn
Rhamnus serrata
- Native to:
- Guatemala, Mexico, United States
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus:
- Rhamnus
- Species:
- Rhamnus serrata
- USDA Symbol:
- RHSE3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub
- Height:
- 400 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- green, yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown following fire; found in fire-prone woodland and savanna edges.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers sunny locations with good air circulation
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI