Buckthorn

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Bushy shrub with a crooked stem and irregular crown. In the past, the leaves and bark, after a treatment, were used to dye wool yellow or green. Due to its thorns, which show up on branch endings, this tree is used in rituals to ensure positive and creative dreams. Ideal for people who are quirky and daydream often.

Features

Scientific name: Rhamnus cathartica
Common name: Buckthorn

We find buckthorn throughout Europe, on both wet and dry soils, in shrubs and woodland edges. It is a shrub of the Rhamnaceae, with a twisted stem and irregular foliage. It reaches a maximum of 4 m in height. The branches are almost perpendicular to the trunk and harden at the tips, forming small thorns. The serrated-edged leaves are ovoid-elliptical in shape, and are 3-9 cm long. Dark green in color, they yellow in autumn. The tiny flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. The fruit of the buckthorn is a small drupe, black when ripe, containing 2-4 yellow kernels.

Fun facts

A legend has it that the crown of Jesus Christ was made from buckthorn branches, although others want to believe it was made from thornier branches of other species.

Properties and Uses

Its hardwood is suitable for turning small objects and for inlay work. It has purgative properties more suitable for veterinary than human care.