Frangula alnus 'Aspleniifolia'
alder buckthorn 'Aspleniifolia'
A bushy, spreading, deciduous shrub about 3-4m high, the linear dark green leaves, turning red in autumn, have irregularly scalloped edges, give a feathery, fern-like appearance. Clusters of greenish flowers are produced in the leaf axils in late spring and early summer followed by fleshy red fruit, ripening to black
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Green | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | Red Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Rhamnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets (dogs): Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Frangula can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, with simple leaves that often colour well in autumn, and tiny yellowish flowers followed by red or black fruit
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Flowers are attractive to bees and brimstone butterflies. Suitable for hedging, wild or woodland gardens
Propagation
Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer, or by layering in autumn or spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.