Alder buckthorn

About

Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and Asia. It has glossy green leaves, inconspicuous spring flowers, and dark, berry-like fruits that provide food for wildlife.

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The Appearance

A small deciduous tree or shrub with a rounded crown and dark green, ovate leaves that turn yellow in autumn. It produces small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers followed by red to black berries.

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The Produce

The flowers are radially symmetrical and lack showy petals.

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The Flowers

Produces small, greenish-white flowers in spring and summer, followed by red berries that turn black when ripe.

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The Leaves

They are arranged alternately on the branches.

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The Bark

The bark is smooth and dark gray, becoming fissured with age.

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The Habitat

Prefers moist, well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Commonly found in woodlands and wetlands.

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The Ecology

Provides habitat and food for various wildlife, including birds and insects. The berries are eaten by birds, and the leaves are food for certain butterfly larvae.

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The Culture

Historically valued for its bark, which was used in traditional medicine as a laxative. The berries were also used for dyeing.

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Fun Facts

Alder Buckthorn is known for its use in traditional medicine and for the bright red color its berries produce when used as a dye. It is also important for certain species of butterflies, whose larvae feed on its leaves.