Frangula alnus aka European Alder

Taxonomy

Frangula alnus, also known as alder buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, or breaking buckthorn, is a tall deciduous shrub in the family Rhamnaceae. Unlike other "buckthorns", it does not have thorns. This non-spiny shrub typically grows to be 3-6 meters tall, occasionally reaching 7 meters, and is usually multistemmed, although it can rarely form a small tree with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm. The bark is dark blackish-brown, with bright lemon-yellow inner bark exposed if cut. Native to Europe, northernmost Africa, and western Asia, from Ireland and Great Britain north to the 68th parallel in Scandinavia, east to central Siberia and Xinjiang in western China, and south to northern Morocco, Turkey, and the Alborz in Iran and the Caucasus Mountains, alder buckthorn is also introduced and naturalized in eastern North America. Fern Leaf Buckthorn, on the other hand, is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window. This plant likes soil that is well draining, and it shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Common names

European Alder, Alder Buckthorn, Glossy Buckthorn, Breaking Buckthorn, Fern Leaf Buckthorn

How to care for European Alder

Difficulty

European Alder presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

European Alder should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

European Alder loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

European Alder thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Glossy Buckthorn.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the European Alder is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia