The name "Alder buckthorn" is deceptive, it arouse when it was discovered the tree’s relationship to the Purging buckthorn, which is far from obvious for it has no thorns at all! It grows in quite different places, never on chalk or limestone but often in fens or boggy woods on acid soils. Those woods are often Alder woods, but that is not Alder buckthorn’s preferred site, it does far better in open clearings on peaty moorland, and that is where it has its greatest wildlife value.
Alder buckthorn is native to most of Europe and spreads as far as western China. It grows best in wet soils and open woods, thriving in scrub, hedgerows, wet heathland, river banks and bogs. Although it prefers acidic soils it can grow on neutral soils as well. It is widespread but rare.
Unlike purging buckthorn, alder buckthorn is hermaphrodite, meaning that male and female reproductive parts are contained within the same flower, and unlike purging buckthorn, the branches and stems are smooth and thornless.
Alder buckthorn leaves are the main food plant of the brimstone butterfly. The flowers are valuable for bees, and the fruit an important food source for birds, particularly thrushes.
Alder buckthorn charcoal is prized in the manufacture of the finest gunpowder, and is regarded as the best wood for the purpose. It is particularly valued for time fuses because it has a very even burn rate. Plants have horticultural value and can be grown as an informal hedge.
Because the wood is hard and durable and sharpens well, often called "Black dogwood", dogwood indicating a hard wood suitable for sharp "dogs" or wooden nails or spicks. Also for shoes, shoe lasts, arrows and skewers.
A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves and bark. It is used in Russia and turns black when mixed with salts of iron. A green dye is obtained from the unripe fruit, and a blue or grey dye from the ripe berries.
At Trebrown Nurseries we maintain our own registered seed stands on Trebrown Farm, which remain the only seed stand registered in Cornwall. Frangula alnus is not a FRM controlled species, but is certified under the voluntary FRM scheme.
