Sea-buckthorn
Hippophae rhamnoides
Also listed as Elaeagnus rhamnoides
Also known as Seaberry, Sallowthorn, Himalayan Berry
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its bright orange berries and narrow, silvery foliage. Highly tolerant of poor, sandy soils and salt spray, making it excellent for coastal and challenging landscapes.
Why grow it
Sea-buckthorn outperforms most shrubs in nutrient-poor, saline, and windswept sites where conventional ornamentals struggle. Unlike many berry-producing shrubs, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, improving soil over time without added fertilizer. The fruit is exceptionally high in vitamins C and A, making it valuable for food production where climate permits; few alternatives offer comparable yields in marginal coastal soils.
Watch out for
Female plants require a nearby male pollinator for fruit set, so plan for two or more plants if berries are desired. The spiny stems can be hazardous during pruning and harvesting, warranting protective gloves and sleeves. Sea-buckthorn spreads readily by root suckers in loose soils, which can require management in smaller spaces or near perennial beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
Native Range
Europe and Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
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
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A hardy, deciduous shrub prized for its bright orange berries and narrow, silvery foliage. Highly tolerant of poor, sandy soils and salt spray, making it excellent for coastal and challenging landscapes.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sea-buckthorn grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sea-buckthorn outperforms most shrubs in nutrient-poor, saline, and windswept sites where conventional ornamentals struggle. Unlike many berry-producing shrubs, it fixes atmospheric nitrogen through root nodules, improving soil over time without added fertilizer. The fruit is exceptionally high in vitamins C and A, making it valuable for food production where climate permits; few alternatives offer comparable yields in marginal coastal soils.
Watch out for
Female plants require a nearby male pollinator for fruit set, so plan for two or more plants if berries are desired. The spiny stems can be hazardous during pruning and harvesting, warranting protective gloves and sleeves. Sea-buckthorn spreads readily by root suckers in loose soils, which can require management in smaller spaces or near perennial beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
Native Range
Europe and Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
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
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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