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Rhamnus frangula
  • Alder Buckthorn

a perennial woody deciduous member of the Rhamnus genus in the family Rhamnaceae.

Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • Hedge
    Hedge
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementshigh
    High
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Unknown
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 3
    Zone 3
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Rhamnus frangula has 0 material uses listed
Rhamnus frangula has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The plant is poisonous unless stored for 12 months before use[1][2][3]. This report is probably referring to the bark.

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Rhamnus frangula.

Material uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and bark[1][4]. It is much used in Russia and turns black when mixed with salts of iron[1].

A green dye is obtained from the unripe fruit[1][4]. A blue or grey dye is obtained from the ripe berries[1][4]. Plants can be grown as an informal (untrimmed) hedge, though they are also amenable to trimming[5]. The cultivar 'Tallhedge (syn 'Columnaris') is very suitable for this purpose[5].

The wood is used to make wooden nails, shoe lasts, veneer etc[6][7]. It is the source of a high quality charcoal that is used by artists[1][8][9][10][11][4][12][13].

Unknown part

Charcoal
Dye
Nails
Wood

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Alder buckthorn has been used medicinally as a gentle laxative since at least the Middle Ages[14]. The bark contains 3 - 7% anthraquinones, these act on the wall of the colon stimulating a bowel movement approximately 8 - 12 hours after ingestion[15]. It is so gentle and effective a treatment when prescribed in the correct dosages that it is completely safe to use for children and pregnant women[14]. The bark also contains anthrones and anthranols, these induce vomiting but the severity of their effect is greatly reduced after the bark has been dried and stored for a long time[15]. The bark is harvested in early summer from the young trunk and moderately sized branches, it must then be dried and stored for at least 12 months before being used[1][16]

The inner bark is cathartic, cholagogue, laxative (the fresh bark is violently purgative), tonic, vermifuge[1][17][9][18][19]. It is taken internally as a laxative for chronic atonic constipation and is also used to treat abdominal bloating, hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and liver and gall bladder complaints[16]. It should be used with caution since excess doses or using the bark before it is cured can cause violent purging[17][18]. Externally, the bark is used to treat gum diseases and scalp infestations[16], or as a lotion for minor skin irritations[14].

The fruit is occasionally used, it is aperient without being irritating[1].

Unknown part

Aperient
Cathartic
Cholagogue
Laxative
Purgative
Tonic
Vermifuge

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Hedge

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed will require 1 - 2 months cold stratification at about 5° and should be sown as early in the year as possible in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed[5]. Germination is usually good, at least 80% by late spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[20]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame.

Layering in early spring[1].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Rhamnus frangula. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any reasonably good soil[8][21], preferring neutral to acid conditions[16]. It grows well on damp or peaty soils[21]. Prefers a moist moderately fertile soil in sun or semi-shade[5]. Grows well in wet soils but not if they are water-logged[13]. Dislikes drought or exposure to strong winds[13].

Plants are hardy to at least -15°c[16]. Alder buckthorn is a slow-growing plant, though it coppices well. It was at one time often grown for its wood which was used in making charcoal[13]. The plants regenerate well after forest fires or grazing[13]. Plants flower on one-year old wood and also on the current year's growth[1]. Cultivated as a medicinal plant in S. Europe[22]. Often bears the aecidospore stage of 'crown rust' of oats[23]. The species in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[5].

A good bee plant[1] and a main food plant for the larvae of the yellow brimstone butterfly[13].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Rhamnus frangula. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Rhamnus frangula.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Rhamnus frangula
Genus
Rhamnus
Family
Rhamnaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
[14][15][1][16][17][9][18][19]
Material uses & Functions
[1][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]
Botanic
[8][10][5]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Hedge
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
high
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    deciduous
    Herbaceous or Woody
    woody
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    slow
    Mature Size
    5 x 4 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Insects
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite











    References

    1. ? 1.001.011.021.031.041.051.061.071.081.091.101.111.121.13 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    2. ? Stary. F. Poisonous Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-35666-3 (1983-00-00)
    3. ? Cooper. M. and Johnson. A. Poisonous Plants in Britain and their Effects on Animals and Man. HMSO ISBN 0112425291 (1984-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Johnson. C. P. The Useful Plants of Great Britain. ()
    5. ? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.28.3 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.3 Triska. Dr. Hamlyn Encyclopaedia of Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-33545-3 (1975-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.1 Polunin. O. Flowers of Europe - A Field Guide. Oxford University Press ISBN 0192176218 (1969-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.113.213.313.413.513.6 Beckett. G. and K. Planting Native Trees and Shrubs. Jarrold (1979-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.114.214.3 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.115.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.316.416.5 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    20. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Gordon. A. G. and Rowe. D. C. f. Seed Manual for Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. ()
    22. ? Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
    23. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)


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    Facts about "Rhamnus frangula"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyRhamnaceae +
    Belongs to genusRhamnus +
    Functions asHedge +
    Has common nameAlder Buckthorn +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has fertility typeInsects +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has growth rateSlow +
    Has hardiness zone3 +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useCharcoal +, Dye +, Nails + and Wood +
    Has mature height5 +
    Has mature width4 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAperient +, Cathartic +, Cholagogue +, Laxative +, Purgative +, Tonic + and Vermifuge +
    Has search namerhamnus frangula + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil tesandyture preferenceSandy +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameRhamnus frangula +
    Has water requirementshigh +
    Is deciduous or evergreenDeciduous +
    Is herbaceous or woodyWoody +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +