Alder Buckthorn
Frangula alnus
Also listed as Frangula dodonei, Rhamnus frangula
Also known as European Alder Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn, Glossy False-buckthorn
Climate Match for your location
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A deciduous shrub with small greenish-white flowers in spring followed by red berries that ripen to black in late summer. Tolerant of wet soils and useful for wildlife habitat and naturalized areas.
Why grow it
Alder buckthorn serves as a reliable choice for wet or poorly drained sites where many ornamental shrubs struggle, offering spring flowers and late-season fruit for wildlife. Its tolerance for boggy conditions and shade makes it useful in riparian restoration and naturalized plantings where conventional shrubs require amendment or drainage. However, gardeners in regions where native alternatives like native dogwoods or viburnums perform well may find those species better suited to supporting local ecosystems.
Watch out for
This species can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, particularly in moist areas, so monitor plantings to prevent unintended spread into adjacent landscape or wild areas. The berries attract birds that may deposit seeds beyond the intended planting zone.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A deciduous shrub with small greenish-white flowers in spring followed by red berries that ripen to black in late summer. Tolerant of wet soils and useful for wildlife habitat and naturalized areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Alder Buckthorn grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Alder buckthorn serves as a reliable choice for wet or poorly drained sites where many ornamental shrubs struggle, offering spring flowers and late-season fruit for wildlife. Its tolerance for boggy conditions and shade makes it useful in riparian restoration and naturalized plantings where conventional shrubs require amendment or drainage. However, gardeners in regions where native alternatives like native dogwoods or viburnums perform well may find those species better suited to supporting local ecosystems.
Watch out for
This species can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, particularly in moist areas, so monitor plantings to prevent unintended spread into adjacent landscape or wild areas. The berries attract birds that may deposit seeds beyond the intended planting zone.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
Native Range
Europe and western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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