Chinese Buckthorn

Rhamnus utilis

Native to:
China, Korea, Russia, Taiwan, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Rhamnaceae
Genus:
Rhamnus
Species:
Rhamnus utilis
USDA Symbol:
RHUT80

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
1000 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
yellow, green
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers fertile soils with good organic content

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