ALDER BUCKTHORN

ALDER BUCKTHORN

A reputation for causing a bang. Alder buckthorn is used to make gunpowder, pigments and dyes. It’s a beloved plant of the brimstone butterfly.

Information

  • Common Name(s): alder buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, breaking buckthorn
  • Scientific name: Frangula alnus
  • Family: Rhamnaceae
  • Origin: Native

ALDER BUCKTHORN FACTS

Alder buckthorn has been used medicinally as a gentle laxative since at least the middle Ages.

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH:

Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)

which is not spiny.

purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

this has opposite as opposed to alternate leaves.

 

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ALDER BUCKTHORN STATISTICS

  • Status:deciduous, locally native shrub or small tree
  • Height:small (4–6 metres)
  • Girth:potentially to 1+ metres
  • Longevitypotentially to 150+ years
  • DistributionWidespread, but scarce, in England and Wales.

 

Mature trees can reach a height of 6 metres. When exposed, the outside bark is dark brown, but the inner bark is bright yellow. The branches and stems are smooth and thornless, unlike typical buckthorn. The twigs are purple-brown in colour with thin white streaks and are smooth and straight. It is linked to purging buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).