1. Native / Non-native Status
Native to the UK, Europe, and parts of Asia.
2. Evergreen / Deciduous
Deciduous – leaves fall in autumn.
3. Appearance
Leaves: Oval to oblong (4–7 cm), smooth-edged (not toothed), with 6–10 pairs of curved veins. Glossy green above, paler beneath. Arranged alternately (unlike purging buckthorn, which has opposite leaves).
Bark: Dark brown, smooth with small white spots (lenticels); inner bark is bright yellow.
Flowers/Fruit/Seeds: Small, greenish-yellow, star-like flowers in clusters, appearing from late spring to summer. Fruits ripen from green to red, then black by late summer. Each berry contains 2–3 seeds.
Overall shape: Usually a tall shrub or small tree with a rounded crown.
4. Typical Size
3–6 m tall; spread 2–5 m.
5. Habitat & Range
Found in damp, acidic soils across the UK, particularly in heathlands, boggy woods, and wet hollows. More frequent in western Britain.
6. Distinctive Features (ID tips)
Smooth-edged oval leaves with distinctive curved veins.
Black berries that ripen through red.
Yellow inner bark visible when cut.
No thorns (unlike purging buckthorn).
7. Seasonal Changes
Spring: Fresh green leaves unfurl; small greenish flowers appear.
Summer: Dense green canopy; berries ripen red then black.
Autumn: Leaves turn yellow before falling.
Winter: Bare crown; lenticel-dotted bark visible.
8. Human Uses
Bark used to make yellow and green dyes.
Charcoal from alder buckthorn was prized for gunpowder manufacture due to its fine quality.
9. Wildlife Value
The primary foodplant of the Brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni), vital for its caterpillars.
Flowers provide nectar for bees, hoverflies, and other insects.
Fruits eaten by birds such as thrushes, which spread the seeds.
10. Fun Fact / Cultural Note
Despite the name, it is not closely related to alder (Alnus), but the name refers to its preference for damp ground.
In folklore, it was sometimes linked with protection and purification, particularly because of its bright yellow bark.
11. Planting & Care (Basic Instructions)
Best time to plant: Late autumn or early spring.
Soil: Prefers moist, acidic, or peaty soils; tolerates sandy loams but dislikes chalk.
Light: Full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Keep well-watered in first 2–3 years; thrives in damp sites long term.
Spacing: 2–3 m apart for naturalistic planting; closer if used in wildlife hedges.
Aftercare: Mulch to conserve moisture. Protect from browsing animals. Prune lightly in late winter if shaping is needed.
12. Good for Urban or Garden Setting?
Urban: Not widely used, but can be valuable in wetland parks and SuDS planting.
Garden: Excellent for medium to large wildlife gardens, particularly to attract Brimstone butterflies. Best in damp, acidic soil; not ideal for dry or chalky gardens.