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Description
Rhamnella Franguloides, commonly known as the Alderleaf Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. It is a member of the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae, which includes over 900 species of trees and shrubs. The plant is characterized by its oval-shaped leaves, small white flowers, and red to black fruit. It grows up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges or screens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rhamnales |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus | Rhamnella |
Appearance
The Alderleaf Buckthorn has oval-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy on the top, and lighter green on the bottom. The leaves are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The plant produces small white flowers in the spring, which are followed by red to black fruit that is 1/4 inch in diameter. The fruit is edible but not commonly consumed by humans. The plant grows in a dense, upright habit, with a rounded crown.
Care Guide
Water
Rhamnella Franguloides prefers moist but well-drained soil. Water the plant thoroughly once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall.
Fertilization
The plant benefits from a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Apply a slow-release fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Soil
The Alderleaf Buckthorn prefers acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. The plant does well in loamy or sandy soil that is rich in organic matter.
Sunlight
The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. In areas with hot summers, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Alderleaf Buckthorn is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to leaf spot, rust, and scale insects. These can be controlled with fungicides or insecticides, as appropriate.
Habitat
Rhamnella Franguloides is native to North America, and is found in wetlands, swamps, and along stream banks. The plant prefers moist soil, but can tolerate some dryness.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the fruit of the Alderleaf Buckthorn be used for anything?
A: The fruit is edible but not commonly consumed by humans. It is a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Q: Can the Alderleaf Buckthorn be used for hedging?
A: Yes, the plant grows up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it an excellent choice for hedges or screens.
Q: Does the plant require a lot of maintenance?
A: The Alderleaf Buckthorn is relatively low-maintenance. It requires regular watering and fertilization, but is otherwise pest and disease-free.
Q: Is the plant invasive?
A: No, the Alderleaf Buckthorn is not considered invasive.
Related Plants
- Rhamnella Illicifolia
- Rhamnella Frangula
- Rhamnella Carbo
References
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/rhamfr/all.html
- https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/56305/
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285833&isprofile=0&basic=Rhamnella%20Franguloides
