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Description
Frangula Alnus, commonly known as Alder Buckthorn or Glossy Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but has been introduced to other parts of the world such as North America. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and has a spread of 10 feet. The leaves are dark green and shiny, and the bark is smooth and gray-brown. Frangula Alnus blooms in late spring to early summer, producing small, greenish-white flowers that are followed by black berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rhamnales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Frangula |
Appearance
Frangula Alnus is a beautiful plant that can add charm to any garden. The leaves are oval-shaped, glossy, and dark green in color. They are about 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The flowers are small and greenish-white, and they bloom in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a black berry that is about 1/4 inch in diameter. The bark is smooth and gray-brown in color, and it peels off in thin strips.
Care Guide
Frangula Alnus is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to take care of this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Frangula Alnus grows well in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: This plant prefers partial shade to full sun.Hardiness Zones: Frangula Alnus grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
Common Pests & Diseases
Frangula Alnus is generally not prone to pests and diseases. However, here are some common ones to watch out for:Pests: Spider mites, aphids, and scale insects can infest this plant.Diseases: Powdery mildew and leaf spot are common diseases that can affect Frangula Alnus.
Habitat
Frangula Alnus is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It grows in a variety of habitats such as woodlands, hedgerows, and along streams and rivers. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Frangula Alnus grow in containers?
A: Yes, Frangula Alnus can grow in containers, but it may not reach its full potential size.
Q: Is Frangula Alnus toxic?
A: Yes, the bark and fruit of Frangula Alnus contain a compound called emodin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large quantities.
Q: How often should I prune Frangula Alnus?
A: Frangula Alnus does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it to maintain its shape and size. Prune it in the late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Q: How long does it take for Frangula Alnus to grow?
A: Frangula Alnus is a slow-growing plant, and it can take several years to reach its full height and spread.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Frangula Alnus:
- Rhamnus cathartica (Common Buckthorn)
- Rhamnus frangula (Alder Buckthorn)
- Rhamnus alnifolia (Alderleaf Buckthorn)
- Rhamnus betulaefolia (Birchleaf Buckthorn)
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Frangula alnus
- RHS: Frangula alnus
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum: Frangula alnus
