Glossy Buckthorn
Frangula alnus · Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Elliptical to obovate
Margin
Entire or very finely wavy
Arrangement
Alternate
Venation
Pinnate with 7 to 9 pairs of prominent, strongly parallel, straight veins curving upward toward the margin.
Key Features
Alternate leaf arrangement, highly distinct straight parallel veins (usually 7-9 pairs), glossy upper leaf surface, entire margins, and twigs with rusty-hairy naked winter buds lacking protective scales.
Description
Frangula alnus is a large deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 20 feet tall. It features smooth, dark brown bark with prominent whitish lenticels. Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers are followed by berries that transition from green to red and finally mature to a glossy dark purple-black. The foliage remains green late into the autumn season.
Habitat
Thrives in moist to wet soils, wetlands, swamps, fogs, along stream banks, but also highly adaptable to disturbed upland areas and partial shade to full sun.
Native Range
Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia; widely introduced and invasive in North America, particularly the northern United States and Canada.