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Alder Buckthorn

©Anne Tanne

Alder buckthorn

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.

Scientific name

Frangula alnus

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

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

About

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.

How to identify

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.

Distribution

Widespread, but scarce, in England and Wales.

Did you know?

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