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Alder Buckthorn

©Anne Tanne

Alder buckthorn

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An uncommon tree of wet woodlands, riverbanks and heathlands, Alder buckthorn displays pale green flowers in spring, and red berries that turn purple in autumn.

Enw gwyddonol

Frangula alnus

Pryd i'w gweld

January to December

Top facts

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Stats

Height: 3-6m
Protected in Northern Ireland under the Wildlife Order, 1985.

Habitats

Ynghylch

Alder buckthorn is a small, thornless tree of wet woodland, riverbanks and heathlands. It is widespread, but scarce, across England and Wales. Clusters of pale green flowers appear in late spring, and bunches of red berries ripen to a purple-black colour in autumn. Both Alder and Purging buckthorn are the main foodplants of the Brimstone butterfly.

What to look for

Unlike its relative, Purging buckthorn, Alder buckthorn is a thornless tree. It also has narrower leaves, with wavy margins and rounded tips, and red berries that turn purple.

Where to find

Widespread, but scarce, in England and Wales.

Roeddech chi yn gwybod?

Alder buckthorn has smooth, dark grey bark, but surprisingly bright yellow wood that was once used for making gunpowder.