Irish wildflowers BSBI map

Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus, Draighean fearna
Photographs: Co. Cork

Alder Buckthorn
Frangula alnus (Rhamnus frangula)
Draighean fearna
Family: Rhamnaceae

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

Small clusters of green-white flowers with 5 petals are followed by green berries that turn red then black when ripe. The alternate, un-toothed leaves turn yellow or red in autumn. Erect thornless branches.

Usually found in damp woods, scrub, fens and heaths in lowland areas but avoids permanently waterlogged ground. A rare native in west and central Ireland but often planted in gardens and hedges

Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus, Draighean fearna

Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus, Draighean fearna
Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus, Draighean fearna

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