Rhamnus frangula Alder buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhamnus frangula
Alder buckthorn
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhamnus frangula plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Rhamnaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alder buckthorn. Some home gardeners know the variety as Frangula alnus. Mill.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhamnus frangula
Common Name:  Alder buckthorn
Family:  Rhamnaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant is poisonous unless stored for 12 months before use[4, 19, 76]. This report is probably referring to the bark.

Mature Height:  5   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Swamps and damp places, usually on moist heaths and damp open woods, preferring a peaty soil[9, 17, 21].

General Uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and bark[4, 115]. It is much used in Russia and turns black when mixed with salts of iron[4]. A green dye is obtained from the unripe fruit[4, 115]. A blue or grey dye is obtained from the ripe berries[4, 115]. Plants can be grown as an informal (untrimmed) hedge, though they are also amenable to trimming[200]. The cultivar 'Tallhedge (syn 'Columnaris') is very suitable for this purpose[200]. The wood is used to make wooden nails, shoe lasts, veneer etc[46, 61]. It is the source of a high quality charcoal that is used by artists[4, 11, 13, 17, 100, 115, 182, 186].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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