Glossy Buckthorn (Also known as Alder Buckthorn)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Rhamnaceae, Genus: Frangula, Species: Frangula alnus · Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family) · Simple, deciduous
Species
Frangula alnus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Family
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acute apex and rounded to cuneate base
Size
Approximately 2 to 3 inches long and 1 to 1.5 inches wide, fitting the typical mature size range for the species of 1.5 to 3.5 inches
Margin
Entire or very finely wavy
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Very Common (abundant and often invasive within its introduced range)
Color & Pattern
Deep rich green on the upper surface with a slight sheen; paler green underneath. No variegation or abnormal markings present, though minor insect-related blemishes are visible.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with 6 to 9 pairs of prominent, strongly parallel, upward-curving lateral veins that run straight toward the margin
Texture & Surface
Glaborous and slightly glossy on the upper adaxial surface, smooth with prominent raised venation on the lower abaxial surface
Description
Frangula alnus is a large, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 20 feet tall. It features smooth dark gray to brown bark with prominent lenticels, small inconspicuous greenish-white flowers clustered in leaf axils, and small spherical berries that transition from green to red and finally to dark purple-black when ripe.
Key Features
Glossy, simple leaves with entire margins and highly prominent, parallel lateral veins (typically 6-9 pairs), combined with alternate leaf arrangement and lack of thorns
Habitat
Typically found in damp woods, wetlands, bogs, and along stream banks, but highly adaptable and capable of invading upland forests and disturbed open areas
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia; widely introduced and considered an invasive species in North America, particularly the northern United States and Canada
Condition Notes
Good overall health with normal coloration and turgor. Exhibits minor, scattered insect herbivory with small circular holes eaten through the blade.
Interesting Facts
The wood of glossy buckthorn produces a high-quality charcoal that was historically used in the manufacturing of gunpowder. The bark has also been used in traditional herbal medicine as a laxative.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used as a mild herbal laxative (frangula bark). In modern contexts, it is primarily regarded as an aggressive invasive ornamental escape that disrupts native understory ecosystems.
Ecological Role
Serves as a host for certain insect species and provides berries consumed by birds, but its dense thickets severely outcompete native understory flora, reducing overall forest biodiversity.
Similar Species
Can be confused with Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), which typically has sub-opposite leaves with finely toothed margins and small thorns at the twig tips. Also resembles some native dogwoods (Cornus species) which have opposite leaves and distinctive arcuate venation.
Foraging Tips
Easily identified in the field during the growing season by looking for alternate, glossy, dark green leaves with distinct parallel side veins. Found frequently invading wet soils and forest edges.
Toxicity Warning
Moderately Toxic. The raw berries, bark, and leaves contain anthraquinones that can cause severe gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested.