Alder Dogwood, Black Alder, Frangula, Glossy Buckthorn
Frangula-alnus-fruits by Sten Porse (CC BY-SA 3.0)
6a
-23°C
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
6m | Max | 4m |
2.5m | Min | 2.5m |
50 years to reach maturity
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.
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.
Generally pest and disease free
Take hardwood cuttings in late summer or early autumn.
The flowers develop into small berries which ripen in late summer from green through red to darp purple or black in autumn.
Petals are roughly 3–5 mm in diameter, and almost triangular in shape.
This low maintenance plant is suitable for including in mixed hedges and wildlife friendly gardens. It
Include these plants in your garden for butterflies to hatch out caterpillars on.
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