Rhamnus frangula - Alder Buckthorn - €12 per plant

 Once grown for its wood which was used in making charcoal, Alder buckthorn grows in well in most soils but prefers moist, acidic soils in open woods, scrub, hedgerows and bogs, thriving well in sunlight and moderate shade, but less vigorously in dense shade. The flowers are valuable for bees and other pollinators and the fruit an important food source for birds. Works well as a hedging plant or on a woodland edge. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: Europe (including Britain) to North Africa
  • native habitat: Swamps, damp and moist areas
  • family: Rhamnaceae

Pest and Predators

  • Blackthorn can be susceptible to fungal diseases 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline and can grow in slightly acidic soils
  • USDA: 3-7
  • Prefers moist soil    
  • Tolerate maritime exposure.


Known hazards


  • Various sources state the berries are poisonous. Also references made to the bark being toxic unless stored for 12 months
  • Valued as a medicinal plant, although caution must be taken due to reports of toxicity. There any many contraindications so thorough research necessary.

Overview

​
  • Deciduous shrub growing to 5m x 4m at a slow rate. 
  • It is hardy to zone 3. 
  • It is in flower in May - June and the seeds ripen from Sept - Nov.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. 

Characteristics

  • form: medium sized deciduous shrub
  • layer : Shrub
  • habit: deciduous
  • height x width (m): 5 x 4

Products 

  • Fruit: small pea shaped berries starting out red and slowly turning black. Good bird fodder.
  • Flowers: Star-shaped flowers, small, 3–5 mm diameter, with five greenish-white triangular petals. 
  • Leaves: Dark green, obovate in shape

Functions, behaviors


  • Functions very well as a hedging plant 
  • Can be used to plant around other young trees to protect them from predation
  • Forms dense thickets if left undisturbed.
  • Grows well in most soils, preferring neutral to acidic conditions
  • Dislikes drought or exposure to strong winds
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project