Rhamnus leptophyllus
Schneid.
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
gbif· cc0
Conveyor Belt
gbif· cc-by
Meise Botanic Garden
Description
Rhamnus leptophyllus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.8 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
A tea is made from the leaves.
Known Hazards
Although no specific mention of toxicity has been found for this species, there is the suggestion that some members of this genus could be mildly poisonous.
Distribution
E. Asia - C. and W. China.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil. Closely related to R. parvifolius. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification at about 5° and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Layering in early spring.
