Common Name(s)	Buckthorn
Latin Name	Rhamnus Cathartica
Description	The leaves are dull green on soft, sometimes hairy stalks. They are oval in shape and turn yellowish brown in autumn. The flowers are greenish-white which develop into green fruits turning to red then black.
Hazards	The berries and twigs are poisonous if eaten. Sap can cause skin irritation if handled.
Effects	Stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhoea and in more serious cases symptoms of the digestive system with haemorrhage followed by convulsions, breathing difficulties or death.
Flowering Period	May followed by berries in summer.
Location	Hedges, woodland mainly in chalky soils.