Spiny native shrub of chalk and limestone hedgerows. With alder buckthorn, an essential larval host for the brimstone butterfly.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 3–7 | −40 °C to −12.2 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H7 | down to −20 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 3–7 | −34 °C to −7 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–5 | −10 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Essential larval food plant for the brimstone butterfly, alongside alder buckthorn
- Glossy black berries are eaten by birds and dispersed widely
- Berries are strongly purgative — do not eat, the historic name reflects medicinal use that is no longer recommended
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Purging buckthorn against your zones