Found this Googling. Using GardenWeb's own site search might turn up more.

Here is a link that might be useful: Has anyone heard of buckthorn 'fine line' (rhamnus frangula)? - Far North Gardening Forum - GardenWeb

Well, I put one in last spring. I got mine from Klehm's, and it seems to be a nice plant with the fine texture I wanted for that spot. Beyond that, I don't know yet.

I've had a Fine Line for a couple years, now about 5' tall, haven't seen one seed or seedling. Surprisingly ornamental for something from a "trash" genus. If you live in one of the cold zones, you have to have one of these in your garden!

I've been growing this plant for 4-5 years in both containers and in the ground. Nice plant, almost seedless, very hardy, but the Japanese beetles are attracted to it in our area. Not in great numbers though and the damage is almost non-apparent.
Marshall

Thanks for the replies. I will definitely be getting this shrub. I am learning to get personal reviews instead of catalog reviews!!

I see that it is a patented invention. Fine Line is a registered trademark. The cultivar is 'Ron Williams'.

"A new and distinct cultivar of Rhamnus plant named `Ron Williams`, characterized by its upright and columnar plant habit; freely branching growth habit; linear undulate foliage which gives a feathery appearance to the plant; low seed set; and nonviable seed."

Bailey nursery web site says

"A university study showed a 3% germination rate, compaired to the species which germinated at 98%."

Here is a link that might be useful: United States Patent: PP14791

Has anyone had luck growing this in partial shade? That is where I'd like to plant my new one, 4'H.
thanks much for your help,
mindy

Ours is in a position where it gets part shade from mid-Sep - mid Apr. Doing just fine, nice texture.

Dan

I wonder if the deer eat it? Does anyone have this shrub located where deer browse?

No deer in my area so can't say one way or the other
Marshall

I've had 2 fine line buckthorn by the patio for almost 10 years. Deer have browsed most everything else in the yard but have never touched the buckthorn.