Buckthorn | The Wood Database (Hardwood) (original) (raw)
 Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)  |
Common Name(s): Buckthorn Scientific Name: Rhamnus spp. (Rhamnus cathartica, R. purshiana, etc.) Distribution: Widespread throughout Europe, North America, Asia, and northern Africa Tree Size: 15-30 ft (5-10 m) tall, 6-8 in (15-20 cm) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 38 lbs/ft3 (605 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .50, .61 Janka Hardness: 1,040 lbf (4,630 N) Modulus of Rupture: 8,700 lbf/in2 (60.0 MPa) Elastic Modulus: 960,000 lbf/in2 (6.62 GPa) Crushing Strength: 6,080 lbf/in2 (41.9 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 3.2%, Tangential: 4.6%, Volumetric: 7.6%, T/R Ratio: 1.4 |
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Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a yellowish-orange, sometimes with darker red or brown streaks. Sapwood is a pale off-white or straw color. Buckthorn’s overall color is close to the appearance of Canarywood.
Grain/Texture: Has a tight grain, with a fine uniform texture and moderate natural luster.
Rot Resistance: No data available.
Workability: Easy to work, though significant end-checking can occur if not dried properly. Buckthorn’s working characteristics are reminiscent of Cherry, and it turns, glues, and finishes well.
Odor: Buckthorn has a faint, mildly unpleasant scent when being worked.
Allergies/Toxicity: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, the sap of Buckthorn has been reported to cause skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Pricing/Availability: Buckthorn is such a small tree that it is of virtually no commercial potential, and its wood is not typically offered for sale. Most pieces are obtained through local harvesting by hobbyists.
Sustainability: This wood species is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Common Uses: Posts, turned objects, carvings, and other small wooden specialty items.
Comments: The strength numbers and mechanical data cited above is for Cascara Buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana), while the foliage illustration, wood scans, and written descriptions are for Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).
Buckthorn is considered an invasive species in many areas of the United States, where it was originally brought over from Europe as an ornamental shrub in the 1800s. By contrast, Pink Ivory (Berchemia zeyheri) was formerly placed within the Rhamnus genus and could be considered a relative of Buckthorn (both species are in the Rhamnaceae family).
None available.
Scans/Pictures:
| Buckthorn (sanded) |
 Buckthorn (sealed) |
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 Buckthorn (endgrain) |
 Buckthorn and Hard Maple (turned) |
 Buckthorn (foliage) |