Frangula alnus - Alder Buckthorn - Seeds

Description

• Rhamnaceae Rosales
• Europe
• H 5m x L 4m
•  Z3 
• Perennial
• Synonyms : Rhamnus frangula, Glossy Buckthorn
• 1 packet of 15 seeds

-

Details

Frangula alnus is a light-looking, slow-growing deciduous shrub, with alternate, obovate, frank green leaves

It blooms in May

Its small yellowish flowers are gathered in whorls at the base of the leaves

They are extremely attractive to bees: Alder Buckthorn Honey is among the most popular and most sought after

Fruits are small berries, black when ripe in summer, sweet but toxic

Wild life loves it and that way spreads the seeds

Glossy Buckthorn often grows in partial shade and likes thickets with moist and acidic soil

Frangula alnus has medicinal properties - but should be used with great caution due to its toxicity : Cathartic, Cholagogue, Emetic, Laxative, Tonic, Vermifuge

Alder Buckthorn is an interesting source of colors - wash and light fast - in the natural dyeing of textiles

Its leaves give : Yellows

Its bark : Browns and Gingers

Its ripe berries : Greens

And its fermented berries : Grays and Blacks

-

Cultivation

Stratify the seeds during the cold months of the year for spring germination, either in pots or in the ground in a nursery

When the plants are sufficiently developed, usually in the second year, plant them in their final location

Alder Buckthorn requires no specific care, and is disease-free and pests-free