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 highly ornamental. Their beauty lies in the leaves, which vary in size, shape, color, texture, density and arrangement in the crown. Plants of several deciduous ornamental 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, since its leaves indeed resemble those of alder. In the West it is called Rhamnus frangula — brittle buckthorn. The most common Russian name is — krushina lomkaya. One of the Latin names comes from the verb “rangere” — to break. All these names arose because the wood of the plant is indeed very brittle and fragile. The Latin name of the family and genus “zhoster” comes from the Greek “rhamnos” — thorny shrub, since the branches of most family members are covered 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 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