Irish wildflowers sitemap More: Trees

Alder Buckthorn
Frangula alnus
Draighean fearna
Family: Rhamnaceae

Flowering: May-June. Deciduous small tree or large shrub. Native.

Small clusters of green-white hermaphrodite flowers with 5 petals and sepals. Hairy buds. Berries are green turning reddish, black when ripe. Alternate leaves, un-toothed, colouring yellow or red in autumn. Usually 6+ pairs lateral veins. Erect thornless branches.

Avoids permanently waterlogged or very dry ground. Usually lowland, grows in damp woods, scrubs, fens, heaths. Found as a rare native in West and central Ireland. Sometimes introduced in gardens and as a component of hedges.


     



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