Alder Buckthorn
Frangula alnus
Also known as
Alder Dogwood, Black Alder, Frangula, Glossy Buckthorn
Frangula-alnus-fruits by Sten Porse (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
H7
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 4m |
2.5m | Min | 2.5m |
50 years to reach maturity
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
Unripe fruit can be harvested to obtain a green dye, while ripe fruit produce a blue or grey colour. The leaves and bark can be collected and used to produce a yellow dye. Alder Buckthorn is also used in the production of charcoal for the manufacture of gunpowder as it has an very even burn rate.
More images of Alder Buckthorn
Alder Buckthorn Overview
This 6m shrub is not a relation of Alder but grows in the same places and has a similar appearance which is thought to be the origin of it's common name. In May & June it produces clusters of small star shaped flowers. It's glossy rounded leaves turn a yellow or red in autumn showing off the dark berries.
Common problems with Alder Buckthorn
Generally pest and disease free
How to propagate Alder Buckthorn
Seed
Cuttings
Take hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn.
Special features of Alder Buckthorn
Attractive fruits
The flowers develop into small berries which ripen in late summer from green through red to darp purple or black in autumn.
Attracts bees
Attractive flowers
Petals are roughly 3–5 mm in diameter, and almost triangular in shape.
Other uses of Alder Buckthorn
This low maintenance plant is suitable for including in mixed hedges and wildlife friendly gardens. It
Planting For Butterflies - Host/Food Plants
Include these plants in your garden for butterflies to hatch out caterpillars on.
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Spring Flowering Shrubs
Growing these shrubs will give you a glorious spring display of flowers.
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