Rhamnus frangula syn. Frangula alnus
Alder Buckthorn
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, harvest period and uses of Rhamnus frangula syn. Frangula alnus.
Plant photos
2 photos · Select to enlarge
Flowers of Frangula alnus.
Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Frangula alnus Kruszyna pospolita 2022-06-20 02.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Fruit of Frangula alnus.
Luis Fernández García / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo details
Resized and converted to WebP. No content edits.
Source: File:Frangula alnus 2140826c.jpg
Reviewed . Source identification, photograph and license reviewed. The image illustrates the named plant; it does not verify dimensions or other plant traits.
Common names
4 names · 3 languages- EnglishYour language
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- Alder Buckthorn
Other languages (2)
- Dutch
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- Sporkehout
- Vuilboom
- French
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- Bourdaine
Sources & name notes
Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.
General information
Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.
Sources [1]Plant characteristics
Growing conditions
Wet, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Full sun, Partial shade
Uses
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Hedge, Bee forage, Wood
Description
A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and bark. This dye is widely used in Russia and turns black when mixed with iron salts. A green dye is obtained from the unripe fruits, while a blue or gray dye is obtained from the ripe berries. Plants can be grown as an informal (uncut) hedge, although they are also suitable for pruning. The cultivar 'Tallhedge' (synonym 'Columnaris') is very suitable for this. The wood is used to make wooden pegs, shoe lasts, veneer, and so on. It is the source of high-quality charcoal used by artists.
Harvest
Sources and references
References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
Relevant sections
- Taxonomy: WCVP version 16, wcvp_names.csv: Rhamnus frangula L., name ID 2522983, row 639546; Frangula alnus Mill., name ID 2814031, row 802880
- Botanical family: WCVP v16, wcvp_names.csv row 268213; name ID 2525833; Rhamnus L.. Family column.
Source checked on .
Source data licence: CC BY 3.0.