Plant Details

Rhamnus frangula syn. Frangula alnus

Alder Buckthorn

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Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, harvest period and uses of Rhamnus frangula syn. Frangula alnus.

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Common names

4 names · 3 languages
EnglishYour language
  • Alder Buckthorn
Other languages (2)
Dutch
  • Sporkehout
  • Vuilboom
French
  • Bourdaine
Sources & name notes

Names recorded in our plant catalogue, grouped by language. Usage can vary by region.

General information

Scientific name: Rhamnus frangula syn. Frangula alnus
Accepted name (Kew): Frangula alnus View name reference ↗

Accepted in the cited taxonomic treatment. Botanical references may use alternative names.

Sources [1]
Botanical family: Rhamnaceae

Kew's family placement for the genus Rhamnus (WCVP v16).

Sources [1]
Also known as: Alder Buckthorn

Plant characteristics

Layer: Shrub
Catalogue size class: Medium
Height: 5.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Growth rate: Fast
Foliage: Deciduous

Growing conditions

USDA hardiness: 3-7
Soil moisture:
Wet, Moist
Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
pH:
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Light:
Full sun, Partial shade

Uses

Edible parts:
-
Edibility rating:
(0)
Medicinal rating:
(0)
Functions:
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

Harvest starts: 01/08
Harvest ends: 31/10

Sources and references

References for the information marked with source numbers on this page.

Sources checked
  1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew World Checklist of Vascular Plants, version 16, extracted 4 June 2026
    Supports: TaxonomyBotanical family
    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.