Hippophae neurocarpa

Hippophae neurocarpa is a deciduous shrub or tree in Elaeagnaceae. Its native range runs from Qinghai to Sichuan in China. It grows in temperate mountain regions, in open, sunny places. Wild plants seldom occur below 9,840 feet [3,000 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future describes a fast-growing tree reaching 49 feet [15 metres]. The supplied sources give no separate garden size range.

The plant loses its leaves for winter. Its flowers open in April, and wind carries the pollen. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. A lone plant cannot fertilise itself and set seed. Grow both sexes when a fruit crop is the goal. Seeds ripen from September through October. The fruits are very small, even within this genus. A hundred fruits weigh only four to five grams.

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a sharp, lemon-like taste and contains much vitamin C. Most people find the raw fruit too sour. Frost or cooking reduces its sharpness, and it suits preserves. Plants For A Future reports no known hazards for this species. That statement does not establish safety for every use or animal. The source also records medicinal uses for fruit oil. It describes oils from young branches and leaves for skin treatments. These records describe uses, rather than proof of treatment benefits.

Choose a sunny site, since this species does not tolerate shade. It grows in sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It also accepts poor soil and a broad pH range. Keep the ground from becoming too dry. Sites near water can suit it, and it tolerates strong winds. Root bacteria form nodules that fix nitrogen from the air. The tree uses some of this nitrogen; nearby plants may benefit too.

Recorded garden settings include woodland canopy plantings and bog gardens. A woodland site must still provide the sun it needs. Its wood also serves as fuel. Sow seed in spring, or sow fresh seed in autumn. Three months of cold treatment may improve germination. Young seedlings need greenhouse shelter through their first winter. Half-ripe cuttings offer another route, though rooting can be difficult.