Alder Buckthorn - Rhamnus frangula

Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) or glossy buckthorn is a tall deciduous shrub with glossy leaves, small yellowish flowers and red or black berries. It is native to Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, but it has also been introduced to North America where it is considered an invasive species. It belongs to the family Rhamnaceae and the genus Frangula.

Some additional information about Alder Buckthorn are:

• It was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Rhamnus frangula, but later moved to the genus Frangula by Philip Miller in 1768.
• It has medicinal properties and was used as a laxative and a dye in the past.
• It is a host plant for several butterflies and moths, such as the brimstone, the comma and the alder buckthorn moth.
• It can grow in various soil types and moisture levels, but prefers moist and acidic soils .
• It can form dense thickets that shade out native plants and alter soil conditions.

The current height of these plants are approximately 15-30cm and they can be planted out all year round.

• Native to UK
• Likes moist acidic soil
• Shrub or small tree
• Attracts birds and insects