Alder-leaved buckthorn

The main species diversity of buckthorn (the genus includes almost 150 species) is concentrated in the warm regions of East Asia. Among them are deciduous and evergreen shrubs and small trees. Some buckthorns are very ornamental. Their beauty lies in the leaves, varied in size, shape, color, density, abundance and arrangement in the crown. Plants of several ornamental deciduous buckthorn species can be grown outdoors. In domestic literature this member of the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) appears under the Latin name Frangula ainus — alder-leaved buckthorn, because its leaves do indeed resemble those of alder. In the West it is named Rhamnus frangula — brittle buckthorn. The most common Russian name is kрушина ломкая (brittle buckthorn). One of the Latin names derives from the verb “rangere” — to break. All these names arose because the wood of the plant is indeed very fragile and brittle. The Latin name of the family and genus “joster” comes from the Greek “rhamnos” — a thorny shrub, since the branches of most representatives of the family are studded with thorns.

Appearance: a small tree up to 7 м tall or a large shrub with a spreading crown, smooth, almost black bark, and bright green, glossy foliage. Branches without spines, shoots reddish-brown with clearly visible whitish lenticels, medium- to fast-growing.

Flowers: small, whitish-yellow, 2-7 in clusters located in the leaf axils, May–June.

Fruits: spherical fruits up to 1 см in diameter. Unfortunately, the fruits of brittle buckthorn are poisonous, especially when unripe.

Leaves: alternate; narrow, oblong-elliptic, up to 4-5 мм wide, with a wavy margin, glossy dark green above, yellowish-green beneath with pubescence along the veins.

Requirements: sun/partial shade, tolerates high temperatures, prefers warmth, winter-hardy, wind-resistant, suitable for urban conditions.

Soils: on any heavy substrates from acidic to neutral, from fresh to wet. It is advisable to avoid drought.

Note: tolerates pruning and shaping well.

Zone: 3