Alder Buckthorn
frangula alnus
Also known as: ["Alder Buckthorn","Black Alder","Finnish Buckthorn"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, known for its small greenish flowers and red to black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Frangula |
| Botanical Name: | Frangula alnus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: mixed shrub border or woodland edge
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–7"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter like compost.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; light pruning can be done after flowering if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct or dappled sunlight daily, with protection from harsh afternoon sun in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight to avoid leaf scorch; for indoor plants, place near a south-facing window with sheer curtains to filter light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant weekly for even growth; provide shade during peak summer heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid letting the plant sit in water, and adjust frequency based on season and weather.
Soil
moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of garden soil and peat moss; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates temperatures from -30°C to 30°C, with preference for cooler conditions in summer.
Protect from frost in early spring and late fall; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; avoid placing near heat sources indoors.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Apply fertilizer before watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in fall to prepare for dormancy; use organic options like compost for slow release.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or layering in spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem, cut below a node, apply hormone, place in medium, maintain humidity, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; early spring for layering.
Environment
High humidity (70–80%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Peat and perlite mix or sandy loam with good drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
4–8 weeks for roots to develop; 6–12 months to establish a strong root system.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, and misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open the canopy, heading back to shorten branches, and selective removal of crossing stems.
Pruning Plan
Shape the plant, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage bushier growth; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, and gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools, prune during dormancy, remove dead wood, shape evenly, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if crowded, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; necessary to refresh soil and provide space for growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare new soil, inspect roots, prune if needed, water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, and ensure aeration by avoiding compacted soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold or frost.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, and growth can slow or stop in freezing temperatures; young plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter, protect from cold winds, and cover with frost cloth during hard freezes.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat and drought stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase watering frequency, and use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength if applied monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are also susceptible to toxicity from Frangula alnus, with berries and seeds being the most hazardous parts. The toxic compounds can induce severe gastrointestinal disturbances and other adverse effects in felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Frangula alnus, particularly the berries and seeds, can lead to significant gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The compounds present can cause irritation and inflammation within the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicFrangula alnus contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other systemic effects upon ingestion. The berries and seeds are particularly toxic due to their higher concentration of these compounds, which can disrupt normal physiological processes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Alder Buckthorn toxic to humans?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic if ingested.
Q: Does Alder Buckthorn attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: Is Alder Buckthorn suitable for shade?
A: Yes, it can tolerate partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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