Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)
Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a native silver leaved shrub which is very spiny and spikey. Its bright, orange berries are packed with vitamin C and birds love them.
Useful info about Sea Buckthorn trees
| Latin Name | Hippophae rhamnoides |
| Type | Deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) |
| Height | Can grow up to 6 m (19ft) tall |
| Spread | The branches can spread out to 2.5 m (8ft) wide. |
| Soil Types Preferred | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Locations Suitable | Balconies, Farmland, Patios |
| Flowers | April |
| Fruit | Orange coloured fruit in September to October |
Description
Sea Buckthorn is a deciduous Shrub that typically grows to 6 m (19ft) tall and 2.5 m (8ft) wide.
It is usually found near the coast on sand dunes and cliffs.
It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and is pollinated by Wind.
Sea Buckthorn can grow on low quality soil and fixes nitrogen into the soil to improve it.
Uses
Sea Buckthorn fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and it's a great source of vitamin C. The fruit when raw is too acidic for most peoples tastes
It is being increasingly used in making fruit juices, especially when mixed with other fruits, because of its reputed health benefits. The fruit becomes less acid after a frost or if cooked.
The fruit is ripe from late September and usually hangs on the plants all winter if not eaten by the birds. It is best used before any frosts since the taste and quality of frosted berries quickly deteriorates.
The oil extracted from Sea Buckthorn fruit is used as an ointment for treating burns.
DISCLAIMER
Any uses for trees or tree extracts, whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.
Please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.
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