Alder buckthorn is a deciduous shrub prized for its narrow, upright form and glossy foliage that holds its dark green color deep into fall. Native to moist woodlands where it grows alongside alders, this hardy shrub reaches 12 to 15 feet tall but stays slender at just 3 to 4 feet wide, making it exceptionally useful as a living screen or hedge. It thrives in zones 3 through 7, adapting readily to average soils and moderate moisture conditions. Tiny whitish-green flowers appear in May and June, followed by showy berries that ripen from red to black, drawing birds and pollinators to the garden.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-7
180in H x 48in W
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High
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This is a shrub built for narrow spaces where most hedges sprawl too wide. The columnar growth habit makes it earn its place in contemporary landscapes without the constant pruning demands of more aggressive hedging shrubs. Its glossy leaves stay vibrant green throughout the growing season and hang on well into autumn, while the progression of berries from scarlet to near-black adds visual interest across multiple seasons without requiring annual fertilizing or fussy care.
Alder buckthorn serves primarily as an ornamental hedge and screening plant, valued for its narrow profile and ability to create tall, dense visual barriers in tight spaces. Its upright form makes it suitable for naturalized plantings where a vertical accent or wildlife corridor is desired, particularly in rain gardens or moist woodland edges where it establishes readily. The showy fruit display attracts songbirds and pollinators, making it functional for ecological gardening.
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Plant container-grown alder buckthorn in spring or fall. Space plants 24 to 30 inches apart if establishing a hedge. Ensure soil remains consistently moist during the first growing season to promote establishment.
Alder buckthorn can be pruned to desired height and shape, making it ideal for formal hedging. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. The species type self-seeds readily, and seedlings may not be true to type; if seed production is undesirable, remove spent berries before they ripen, or select non-seeding cultivars like 'Ron Williams.'
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“Frangula alnus earned its common name 'alder buckthorn' from its habit of appearing spontaneously in wild wetlands and riparian zones alongside native alders across Europe and western Asia. The plant's glossy foliage inspired its alternative common name 'glossy buckthorn,' and its natural tendency to self-seed in moist conditions made it recognizable to foragers and land stewards for centuries. The columnar cultivar form represents horticultural refinement of the species type, selected and propagated to suit the geometric lines of designed landscapes.”