Alder Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)
The Alder Buckthorn is a large upward growing shrub or small tree with crooked trunk and inconspicuous greenish-white star-shaped flowers. The pea-sized berries are initially red before turning black and taste repulsive. The bark exudes a putrid smell.
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Appearance
The Alder Buckthorn is a large upward growing shrub or small tree with crooked trunk and inconspicuous greenish-white star-shaped flowers. The pea-sized berries are initially red before turning black and taste repulsive. The bark exudes a putrid smell.
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Leaf upperside
Obovate, 3-8cm long, 2-4cm wide, leaf stem 1-2cm long. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below, turn yellow in autumn.
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Leaf underside
Obovate, 3-8cm long, 2-4cm wide, leaf stem 1-2cm long. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below, turn yellow in autumn.
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Flowers
Inconspicuous green-white starlets under the leaves.
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Fruits
Round, black-red stone fruit up to 1cm in diameter, red when unripe. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
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Bark
Green or grey-green bark with shallow furrows. Branches are dark brown or blackish-brown.
Poisonousness
All parts of the plant are toxic. Consumption may lead to discomfort with nausea, feeling of sickness, stomach pains and diarrhoea.
Application
Open fields, hillside stabilization, screening, noise abatement, bird protection, parks, car parks, backyards, private parks, front gardens, winter gardens, host plant
Native regions
Europe
Location parameters
Light: sunny to shady, temperature: normal, soil: dry to moist, soil structure: firm to normal, soil depth: deep, humus concentration: medium, soil quality: medium, pH value: 4.5 to 6.5
Demands
Sun to slight shade, completely undemanding and robust; tolerates warmth, frost-hardy; on all acid to neutral, predominantly heavy substrates; fresh to wet, avoids dryness; tolerates urban climates, wind-resistant
Growth
Height of growth: 3m to 6m, growth habits: shrubby, upright, overhanging, suckering
Leaves
Obovate, 3-8cm long, 2-4cm wide, leaf stem 1-2cm long. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below, turn yellow in autumn.
Flowers
Inconspicuous green-white starlets under the leaves.
Fruits
Round, black-red stone fruit up to 1cm in diameter, red when unripe. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Bark
Green or grey-green bark with shallow furrows. Branches are dark brown or blackish-brown.
Roots
Deep-rooting