- New
Rhamnus frangula - Alder Buckthorn
Rhamanus frangula – Alder Buckthorn is a native small tree / large dense shrub
The outer bark is dark brown and unlike the Purging Buckthorn, the branches and stems are smooth and thornless. Star shaped flowers in the Spring with red berries following which then mature / darken to almost black in the Autumn.
Native to the UK and grows best in damp, acidic soils and open woods.
Useful for woodland planting or hedging. The leaves of Alder Buckthorn are an important food source for tiger moth larvae and caterpillars of the Brimstone butterfly.