(Rhamnus purshiana)

cascara buckthorn

(only buckthorn in this area)

Cascara is Spanish for ‘bark’. Cascara bark contains a powerful drug used to make laxatives and tonics. The entire world’s supply comes from the Pacific Northwest. A tree 6″ in diameter will produce 12-15 lbs. of dry bark, enough to furnish one dose each to 2,000 people.

If you cut tree down before peeling, and leave bark on stub, it will sprout back quickly. Can grow to 20-50′ tall and 24″ diameter with ample moisture.