Photo: John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Davis, CA, Public domain · source
Pruning guide · Shrub
Buckthorn: when and how to prune
Rhamnus cathartica
Buckthorn is best pruned in November–March.
| Pruning months | November–March |
|---|---|
| Nesting season (15 March–15 August) | Take care in March |
| Flowering | May–June |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Buckthorn: when to prune it?
Dead, diseased and broken branches can be removed at any time of year. If pruning is needed, do it during winter dormancy (November–March).
Prune while dormant, from November to March, but not in freezing weather.
What else to prune in those months? January · February · March · November · December
Buckthorn: how to prune it?
- Needs little pruning; thin out old branches in winter.
- In a mixed hedge it also tolerates trimming: cut it in winter along with the rest of the hedge.
- Wear sturdy gloves against the thorns.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: November–March.
- Grows best when left alone. Only remove dead, diseased or awkward branches.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Pruning in March can fall in the nesting season (15 March–15 August). Check carefully for nesting birds first: disturbing an active nest is against the law.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
- Prunings can go on a dead hedge or brash pile in a corner of the garden: shelter for hedgehogs, wrens and insects.
Common mistakes
- Clipping without first checking for nesting birds.
- Pruning too much: it grows best when left alone.
- Leaving a stub or sawing flush with the trunk: cut just outside the branch collar.
Caution: Finish the winter pruning before mid-March, when the nesting season begins. Buckthorn is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Similar to: Difference from blackthorn · Difference from alder buckthorn
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.