European buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica

Features

Shrub. Up to 5 m high.

Species	Scrubs (Nanofanerophytes)
Living space	Treeline
Size	up to 5 m

Description

It has a darker crust that is more shiny and smoother than that of the alder buckthorn. The twigs of the European buckthorne have spines on the forks. The leaves are hairy and serrated at the edges. The flowers are light green, and the fertilized ones develop into small, blackish-blue balls up to 8 mm in size. The fruits ripen in September and October. They thrive best on limestone soils among other shrubs. It is most often found in dry forest slopes and along paths. The fruits contain anthraquinones and flavonoids, which is why they are used in folk medicine for chronic constipation. They pass lightly and slowly, however, they are not recommended for children and long-term use.