Rhamnus

Rhamnus, commonly known as buckthorn, is a genus of shrubs and small trees found in temperate regions worldwide. Many species are valued for their ornamental quality, with attractive foliage and berries, while some have traditional uses in medicine or as natural dyes. However, certain buckthorns can become invasive, spreading rapidly and impacting native ecosystems. Rhamnus plants typically have simple, ovate leaves and produce small, clustered fruit that often turns black or red. They prefer well-drained soils and can thrive in various environments, making them both useful and potentially problematic depending on how they are managed.