Hippophae salicifolia

Hippophae salicifolia is known as willow-leaved sea buckthorn. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family. Its native range runs from the Himalaya to southern Tibet. Records include Bhutan, Nepal, Himalayan India, and southern Tibet in China. It grows beside rivers, on wet landslips, and in river gravel. Wild plants occur at heights up to 11,483 feet [3,500 metres].

This deciduous plant can form a shrub or tree. In gardens, it makes a medium-sized tree with thorny branches. RHS lists heights above 39 feet [12 metres], reaching 49 feet [15 metres]. Its spread is 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. The branches may grow upright or spread out. Narrow, silver-green leaves turn light yellow before falling in autumn. RHS gives a maturity time of ten to twenty years. PFAF describes its growth as fast.

Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in spring. Orange berries follow in autumn when a male plant grows nearby. PFAF places the start of fruit ripening in late summer. The fruit can stay on the tree until midwinter. Its sharp taste softens with time, but the flesh softens too. This makes late fruit harder to pick. People eat the berries raw or cook them. They supply vitamin C, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Some people find their lemon-like sharpness too strong.

Grow this tree in full sun and moist soil. Choose soil that holds moisture but still drains well. RHS lists clay, chalk, loam, and sand as suitable. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Root nitrogen fixation helps it grow on poor ground. RHS rates it H6, while PFAF lists USDA zones 3–8. PFAF also reports tolerance to about 14°F [−10°C]. These cold-hardiness assessments differ, so they do not give one clear limit.

Its shape suits planting as a bold garden feature. PFAF lists windbreaks, erosion control, and woodland establishment among its uses. It can provide shelter while other trees establish. RHS reports few pest problems. Honey fungus may affect it, though its level of risk remains unclear. PFAF lists no known hazards. It also records medicinal uses for oils from fruit, leaves, and young branches. Those reported uses do not establish their safety or effectiveness as treatments.