

How to identify Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Common buckthorn, also known as Purging buckthorn
Common buckthorn is characterized by its function as a deciduous shrub or small tree. It features clusters of small, greenish flowers and produces small, dark berries. The leaves are elliptical, with serrated margins and prominent veins, typically growing to a length of 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm). The plant's bark is gray-brown with a rough texture. It often reaches heights of 6-25 feet (1.8-7.6 meters) with a similar spread. It easily adapts to varied light conditions and has a moderate growth rate.
Elliptical leaves with serrated margins and prominent veins
Yellowish green flowers with clusters and distinct male/female characteristics
Glossy black drupes, 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6-13 mm) in diameter with 2-4 seeds
Crooked stem with thorny texture, brown color, and irregular branching pattern
Dark brown to gray bark with peeling texture, revealing vibrant orange inner layer
The leaves of common buckthorn are simple, appearing sub-opposite, opposite, or nearly alternate, and are elliptical with toothed margins. They measure between 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in length and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) in width. These leaves feature arching veins, a rounded or small pointed tip, and a rounded or tapered base, and sit on hairy stalks. Notably, they persist into late fall, making them distinguishable even in cooler seasons.
The flowers of common buckthorn are yellowish green and form clusters. Each flower is less than 1/4 inch (6 mm) across, displaying four prominently spreading sepals. Male flowers feature four erect greenish stamens, while female flowers exhibit a single style with a tip divided into four parts. These flowers are crucial for distinguishing between male and female plants.
The stem of common buckthorn is crooked, varying in color from green to green-brown when mature and turning to brown. The texture is thorny, often featuring a straight thorn at the tip. It has two elongated, brown, scaly buds on opposite sides that curve inward, resembling a deer hoof. The stem’s branching pattern is irregular, providing easy identification. Stems are usually about 0.4 to 0.8 inches (1-2 cm) in thickness.
The fruit of common buckthorn is a fleshy, round drupe measuring approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) in diameter. When ripe in fall, it boasts a glossy black hue. This fruit characteristically contains 2 to 4 seeds encased within its pulp. Its smooth surface and distinctive color make it identifiable amongst other drupes.
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.
The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.
The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.
The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.
Scientific Classification of Common buckthorn