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{{Short description|Species of flowering plant in the family Rhamnaceae}} |
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{{Redirect-synonym|Alder buckthorn|[[Rhamnus alnifolia]]}} |
{{Redirect-synonym|Alder buckthorn|[[Rhamnus alnifolia]]}} |
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{{Speciesbox |
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{{Taxobox |
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| image |
| image = Frangula-alnus-fruits.JPG |
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| image_caption |
| image_caption = Foliage with mature and immature fruit |
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|status = LC |
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| regnum = [[Plantae]] |
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|status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]] |
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|status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{Cite iucn |title=''Frangula alnus'' |author=Walker, A. |name-list-style=amp |page=e.T164056A68082189 |date=2018 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T164056A68082189.en|access-date=25 January 2024}}</ref> |
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| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]] |
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| unranked_ordo = [[Rosids]] |
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| ordo = [[Rosales]] |
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| familia = [[Rhamnaceae]] |
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| binomial = ''Frangula alnus'' |
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| range_map_caption = Distribution map |
| range_map_caption = Distribution map |
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| synonyms |
| synonyms = * ''Rhamnus frangula'' [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]] |
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* ''Frangula atlantica'' Grubov |
* ''Frangula atlantica'' Grubov |
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* ''Frangula dodonei'' Ard. nom. inval. |
* ''Frangula dodonei'' Ard. nom. inval. |
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* ''Frangula vulgaris'' Hill |
* ''Frangula vulgaris'' Hill |
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* ''Girtanneria frangula'' Neck. |
* ''Girtanneria frangula'' Neck. |
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| synonyms_ref |
| synonyms_ref = <ref>{{IPNI |id=77066127-1 |taxon=Frangula dodonei |accessdate=3 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{ThePlantList |authority=Mill.}}</ref> |
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}} |
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'''''Frangula alnus''''', commonly known as |
'''''Frangula alnus''''', commonly known as '''alder buckthorn''', '''glossy buckthorn''', or '''breaking buckthorn''', is a tall [[deciduous]] shrub in the family [[Rhamnaceae]]. Unlike other "buckthorns", alder buckthorn does not have thorns. It is native to [[Europe]], northernmost [[Africa]], and western [[Asia]], from [[Ireland]] and [[Great Britain]] north to the [[68th parallel north|68th parallel]] in [[Scandinavia]], east to central [[Siberia]] and [[Xinjiang]] in western [[China]], and south to northern [[Morocco]], [[Turkey]], and the [[Alborz]] in [[Iran]] and [[Caucasus Mountains|the Caucasus Mountains]]; in the northwest of its range (Ireland, Scotland), it is rare and scattered. It is also introduced and [[naturalisation (biology)|naturalised]] in eastern North America.<ref name="Rushforth">Rushforth, K. (1999). ''Trees of Britain and Europe''. Collins {{ISBN|0-00-220013-9}}.</ref><ref name=fe>Flora Europaea: [http://rbg-web2.rbge.org.uk/cgi-bin/nph-readbtree.pl/feout?FAMILY_XREF=&GENUS_XREF=Frangula&SPECIES_XREF=alnus&TAXON_NAME_XREF=&RANK= ''Frangula alnus'']</ref><ref name="Flora">[[Stace, Clive]], et al. ''Interactive Flora of NW Europe'': [http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/BIS/flora.php?selected=beschrijving&menuentry=soorten&id=3124 ''Frangula alnus'']{{Dead link|date=December 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="China">{{eFloras|2|200013382|Rhamnus frangula |family=Rhamnaceae |first1=Yilin |last1=Chen |first2=Carsten |last2=Schirarend}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Alder buckthorn was first formally described by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in 1753 as ''Rhamnus frangula''. It was subsequently separated by [[Philip Miller]] in 1768 into the genus ''Frangula'' on the basis of its hermaphrodite flowers with a five-parted corolla (in ''Rhamnus'' the flowers are dioecious and four-parted); this restored the treatment of pre-Linnaean authors, notably [[Joseph Pitton de Tournefort|Tournefort]].<ref>Miller, P. (1754). ''The Gardener's Dictionary'', 8th ed. [http://www.botanicus.org/page/394932 Facsimile at Botanicus.org]</ref> Although much disputed historically, the separation of ''Frangula'' from ''Rhamnus'' is now widely accepted, being supported by recent genetic data<ref>Bolmgren, K., & Oxelman, B. 2004. [http://kjellbolmgren.net/publications_files/Bolmgren_%26_Oxelman_Taxon_2004.pdf Generic limits in Rhamnus L. s.l. (Rhamnaceae) inferred from nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence phylogenies.] ''Taxon'' 53: 383–390.</ref> though a few authorities still retain the genus within ''Rhamnus'' (e.g. the ''Flora of China''<ref name="China" />). |
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| ⚫ | The genus name ''Frangula'', from [[Latin]] {{wikt-lang|la|frango}} "to break", refers to the brittle wood. Both the common name alder buckthorn and |
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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[[File:Frangula-alnus-buds-2010-02-11.jpg|thumb |
[[File:Frangula-alnus-buds-2010-02-11.jpg|thumb|Winter shoot with buds]] |
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Alder buckthorn is a non-spiny deciduous shrub, growing to {{convert|3|–|6|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, occasionally to {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall. It is usually multistemmed |
Alder buckthorn is a non-spiny deciduous shrub, growing to {{convert|3|–|6|m|ft|0|abbr=on}}, occasionally to {{convert|7|m|ft|abbr=on}} tall. It is usually multistemmed but rarely forms a small tree with a trunk diameter of up to {{convert|20|cm|in|0|abbr=on}}. The [[Bark (botany)|bark]] is dark blackish-brown, with bright lemon-yellow inner bark exposed if cut. The shoots are dark brown, the winter buds without bud scales, protected only by the densely hairy outer leaves. |
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The leaves are arranged [[alternate leaf|alternately]] on {{convert|8|–|15|mm|in|frac=32|adj=on|abbr=off}} [[petiole (botany)|petioles]]. They are [[ovate]], {{convert|3|–|7|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} long by {{convert|2.5|–|4|cm|in|frac=8|abbr=on}} wide (rarely to {{convert|11|cm|in|disp=or|frac=4|abbr=on}} by {{convert|6|cm|in|disp=or|frac=4|abbr=on}}). They have 6–10 pairs of prominently grooved and slightly downy veins and an [[entire margin]]. |
The leaves are arranged [[alternate leaf|alternately]] on {{convert|8|–|15|mm|in|frac=32|adj=on|abbr=off}} [[petiole (botany)|petioles]]. They are [[Glossary of leaf morphology#ovate|ovate]], {{convert|3|–|7|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} long by {{convert|2.5|–|4|cm|in|frac=8|abbr=on}} wide (rarely to {{convert|11|cm|in|disp=or|frac=4|abbr=on}} by {{convert|6|cm|in|disp=or|frac=4|abbr=on}}). They have 6–10 pairs of prominently grooved and slightly downy veins and an [[entire margin]]. |
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The [[flower]]s are small, {{convert|3|–|5|mm|in|frac=32|abbr=in}} in diameter, star-shaped with five greenish-white acute triangular [[petal]]s, [[hermaphroditic (botany)|hermaphroditic]], and [[insect-pollinated]], flowering in May to June in clusters of two to ten in the [[leaf axil]]s. |
The [[flower]]s are small, {{convert|3|–|5|mm|in|frac=32|abbr=in}} in diameter, star-shaped with five greenish-white acute triangular [[petal]]s, [[hermaphroditic (botany)|hermaphroditic]], and [[insect-pollinated]], flowering in May to June in clusters of two to ten in the [[leaf axil]]s. |
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The [[fruit]] is a small black [[Berry (botany)|berry]] {{convert|6|–|10|mm|in|frac=32|abbr=in}} in diameter, ripening from green through red in late summer to dark purple or black in early autumn, containing two or three pale brown {{convert|5|mm|in|frac=32|adj=on|abbr=off}} [[seed]]s. The seeds are primarily dispersed by [[frugivorous]] birds, which readily eat the fruit.<ref name="Rushforth |
The [[fruit]] is a small black [[Berry (botany)|berry]] {{convert|6|–|10|mm|in|frac=32|abbr=in}} in diameter, ripening from green through red in late summer to dark purple or black in early autumn, containing two or three pale brown {{convert|5|mm|in|frac=32|adj=on|abbr=off}} [[seed]]s. The seeds are primarily dispersed by [[frugivorous]] birds, which readily eat the fruit.<ref name="Rushforth" /><ref name="Flora" /><ref name="China" /><ref name="Natural" /><ref name="Blamey">Blamey, M. & Grey-Wilson, C. (1989). ''Flora of Britain and Northern Europe''. {{ISBN|0-340-40170-2}}.</ref> |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Alder buckthorn was first formally described by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in 1753 as ''Rhamnus frangula''. It was subsequently separated by [[Philip Miller]] in 1768 into the genus ''Frangula'' on the basis of its hermaphrodite flowers with a five-parted corolla (in ''Rhamnus'' the flowers are dioecious and four-parted); this restored the treatment of pre-Linnaean authors, notably [[Joseph Pitton de Tournefort|Tournefort]].<ref>Miller, P. (1754). ''The Gardener's Dictionary'', 8th ed. [http://www.botanicus.org/page/394932 Facsimile at Botanicus.org]</ref> Although much disputed historically, the separation of ''Frangula'' from ''Rhamnus'' is now widely accepted, being supported by recent genetic data<ref>Bolmgren, K., & Oxelman, B. 2004. [http://kjellbolmgren.net/publications_files/Bolmgren_%26_Oxelman_Taxon_2004.pdf Generic limits in Rhamnus L. s.l. (Rhamnaceae) inferred from nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence phylogenies.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110819120327/http://kjellbolmgren.net/publications_files/Bolmgren_%26_Oxelman_Taxon_2004.pdf |date=2011-08-19 }} ''Taxon'' 53: 383–390.</ref> though a few authorities still retain the genus within ''Rhamnus'' (e.g., the ''Flora of China''<ref name="China" />). |
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| ⚫ | The genus name ''Frangula'', from [[Latin]] {{wikt-lang|la|frango}} "to break", refers to the brittle wood. Both the common name alder buckthorn and specific epithet ''alnus'' refer to its association with [[alder]]s (''Alnus'') on damp sites. Unlike other "buckthorns", alder buckthorn does not have thorns.<ref name="Vedel">Vedel, H., & Lange, J. (1960). ''Trees and Bushes in Wood and Hedgerow''. Methuen & Co Ltd.</ref><ref name="Natural">Natural England: [http://www.plantpress.com/wildlife/search.php?name=Frangula&pl=5&adv=1&ot=&r=0&g=0&p=1&o=481 Alder buckthorn] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720013443/http://www.plantpress.com/wildlife/search.php?name=Frangula&pl=5&adv=1&ot=&r=0&g=0&p=1&o=481 |date=2011-07-20 }}</ref> Other recorded names include glossy buckthorn and breaking buckthorn; historically, it was sometimes called "dogwood" through confusion of the leaves with those of [[Cornus sanguinea|dogwood]] ''Cornus sanguinea''.<ref name="Vedel" /> |
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== Ecology == |
== Ecology == |
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=== Invasive species === |
=== Invasive species === |
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''Frangula alnus'' was probably introduced to [[North America]] about 200 years ago, and in Canada about 100 years ago. It was planted for hedgerows, forestry plantings, and wildlife habitat, but has become an [[invasive species]], invading forests in the northeastern [[United States]] and wetlands and moist forest in the Midwestern United States.<ref name="Wingard">{{cite web | url = http://gradworks.umi.com/14/43/1443642.html | author = Wingard, Hanna S | title = Invasion of transition hardwood forests by exotic Rhamnus frangula: Chronology and site requirements | publisher = University of New Hampshire, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Maine">{{cite web | url = http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2505.htm | title = Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn |
''Frangula alnus'' was probably introduced to [[North America]] about 200 years ago, and in Canada about 100 years ago. It was planted for hedgerows, forestry plantings, and wildlife habitat, but has become an [[invasive species]], invading forests in the northeastern [[United States]] and wetlands and moist forest in the Midwestern United States.<ref name="Wingard">{{cite web | url = http://gradworks.umi.com/14/43/1443642.html | author = Wingard, Hanna S | title = Invasion of transition hardwood forests by exotic Rhamnus frangula: Chronology and site requirements | publisher = University of New Hampshire, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Maine">{{cite web | url = http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2505.htm | title = Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn | publisher = University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2505 | access-date = 2009-10-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090714223737/http://www.umext.maine.edu/onlinepubs/htmpubs/2505.htm | archive-date = 2009-07-14 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.invasive.org/species/subject.cfm?sub=5649 | title = glossy buckthorn | publisher = Invasive.org: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health}}</ref> It is predicted to continue to expand its North American range with time.<ref name="Wingard" /> Its invasiveness is assisted by its high adaptability and pollution tolerance.<ref name="Newhampshire">{{cite web | url = http://extension.unh.edu/forestry/Docs/invasive.pdf | title = Guide to invasive upland plant species in New Hampshire | publisher = New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species, page 14 | access-date = 2009-10-02 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080828032739/http://extension.unh.edu/forestry/Docs/invasive.pdf | archive-date = 2008-08-28 | url-status = dead }}</ref> It is one of three species of buckthorn that occurs without cultivation in eastern Canada.<ref>Catling, P.M., and Z.S. Porebski. 1994. The history of invasion and current status of glossy buckthorn, ''Rhamnus frangula'', in Southern Ontario. Canadian Field-Naturalist 108:305–310</ref> |
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It invades forests and grows in the understory in spots with a lot of light. These areas, usually where a tree has fallen, normally allow locally native tree seedlings to grow and eventually fill in the gap in the canopy. But when ''Frangula alnus'' invades and grows in these locations, its dense canopy prevents light from reaching the ground and therefore prevents other seedlings from growing.<ref name="Newhampshire" /> It tends to grow more densely and with larger individuals in lower topographical areas with moist, fertile soils, and is very problematic for land managers. Uplands forests are not invaded as easily as lower lying ones. [[Tsuga|Hemlock]]-[[oak]] stands, which tend to be older stands of trees, are much less suitable for ''Frangula alnus'' because the density of the tree canopy creates a more shady environment that is not as suitable for ''Frangula alnus''. [[Eastern white pine]] stands are easily invaded because they allow more light to reach the forest floor, and tree stands that are cut are very quickly invaded while undisturbed stands are rarely invaded.<ref>{{cite |
It invades forests and grows in the understory in spots with a lot of light. These areas, usually where a tree has fallen, normally allow locally native tree seedlings to grow and eventually fill in the gap in the canopy. But when ''Frangula alnus'' invades and grows in these locations, its dense canopy prevents light from reaching the ground and therefore prevents other seedlings from growing.<ref name="Newhampshire" /> It tends to grow more densely and with larger individuals in lower topographical areas with moist, fertile soils, and is very problematic for land managers. Uplands forests are not invaded as easily as lower lying ones. [[Tsuga|Hemlock]]-[[oak]] stands, which tend to be older stands of trees, are much less suitable for ''Frangula alnus'' because the density of the tree canopy creates a more shady environment that is not as suitable for ''Frangula alnus''. [[Eastern white pine]] stands are easily invaded because they allow more light to reach the [[forest floor]], and tree stands that are cut are very quickly invaded while undisturbed stands are rarely invaded.<ref>{{cite journal | author = Chelsea Cunard and Thomas D. Lee | title = Is patience a virtue? Succession, light, and the death of invasive glossy buckthorn (''Frangula alnus'') | journal = Biological Invasions | year = 2009 | volume = 11 | issue = 3 | pages = 577–586 | publisher = Biological Invasions:Volume 11, Number 3 / March, 2009| doi = 10.1007/s10530-008-9272-8 | bibcode = 2009BiInv..11..577C | s2cid = 23517872 }}</ref> |
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=== Habitat fragmentation === |
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Although considered an invasive species in North America, In other places, such as Northern Ireland, ''Frangula alnus'' has suffered greatly from habitat loss.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |last1=Finlay |first1=Caroline M. V. |last2=Bradley |first2=Caroline R. |last3=Preston |first3=S. Jane |last4=Provan |first4=Jim |date=December 2017 |title=Low genetic diversity and potential inbreeding in an isolated population of alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) following a founder effect |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=3010 |doi=10.1038/s41598-017-03166-1 |issn=2045-2322 |pmc=5462792 |pmid=28592885|bibcode=2017NatSR...7.3010F }}</ref> This is due to the decline in its preferred habitats, which are [[bog]]lands.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Rich |first1=T.C.G. |last2=Woodruff |first2=E.R. |date=1996 |title=Changes in the vascular plant floras of England and Scotland between 1930–1960 and 1987–1988: The BSBI Monitoring Scheme |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0006-3207(95)00077-1 |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=75 |issue=3 |pages=217–229 |doi=10.1016/0006-3207(95)00077-1 |bibcode=1996BCons..75..217R |issn=0006-3207}}</ref> It is currently only found on the southern side of [[Lough Neagh]], but it the past, it was also found on the northern side of the lake.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=McKay |first=H. V. |date=August 1991 |title=Egg-Laying Requirements of Woodland Butterflies; Brimstones (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/2404579 |journal=The Journal of Applied Ecology |volume=28 |issue=2 |pages=731–743 |doi=10.2307/2404579 |jstor=2404579 |bibcode=1991JApEc..28..731M |issn=0021-8901}}</ref> Compared to other populations of ''Frangula alnus'', the population in Ireland also has lower genetic diversity.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=RIGUEIRO |first1=C. |last2=ARROYO |first2=J. M. |last3=RODRÍGUEZ |first3=R. |last4=HAMPE |first4=A. |last5=JORDANO |first5=P. |date=May 2009 |title=Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci forFrangula alnus(Rhamnaceae) |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02527.x |journal=Molecular Ecology Resources |volume=9 |issue=3 |pages=986–989 |doi=10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02527.x |pmid=21564814 |s2cid=15974997 |issn=1755-098X}}</ref> |
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==== Control ==== |
==== Control ==== |
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Small saplings can be hand-pulled, but control of larger examples is best achieved using herbicides.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/control.html | title = What you can do to control buckthorn! | publisher = MN Department of Natural Resources}}</ref> ''Frangula alnus'' and the related species ''[[Rhamnus cathartica]]'' have been banned from sale, transport, or import to [[Minnesota]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/index.html | title = Buckthorn | publisher = MN Department of Natural Resources}}</ref> and [[Illinois]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/mp3~file~instructions.htm | publisher = Illinois |
Small saplings can be hand-pulled, but control of larger examples is best achieved using herbicides.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/control.html | title = What you can do to control buckthorn! | publisher = MN Department of Natural Resources}}</ref> ''Frangula alnus'' and the related species ''[[Rhamnus cathartica]]'' have been banned from sale, transport, or import to [[Minnesota]]<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/buckthorn/index.html | title = Buckthorn | publisher = MN Department of Natural Resources}}</ref> and [[Illinois]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/mp3~file~instructions.htm | publisher = Illinois Department of Natural Resources | date = April 22, 2004 | title = Reminder to Gardeners: Some Exotic Plants Banned in Illinois | access-date = February 7, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110608195444/http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/mp3~file~instructions.htm | archive-date = June 8, 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref> It is considered invasive, but not banned, in [[Connecticut]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.hort.uconn.edu/CIPWG/invplantsCT09commonname.pdf | title = Connecticut Invasive Plant List July 2009 | publisher = CT Invasive Plants Council}}</ref> |
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== Uses == |
== Uses == |
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The bark (and to a lesser extent the fruit) has been used as a [[laxative]], due to its 3–7% [[Natural anthraquinone|anthraquinone]] content. Bark for medicinal use is dried and stored for a year before use, as fresh bark is violently purgative; even dried bark can be dangerous if taken in excess.<ref name="Rushforth" /><ref name="Future" /> |
The bark (and to a lesser extent the fruit) has been used as a [[laxative]], due to its 3–7% [[Natural anthraquinone|anthraquinone]] content. Bark for medicinal use is dried and stored for a year before use, as fresh bark is violently purgative; even dried bark can be dangerous if taken in excess.<ref name="Rushforth" /><ref name="Future" /> |
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=== |
=== Other uses === |
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Alder buckthorn charcoal is prized in the manufacture of [[gunpowder]], being regarded as the best wood for the purpose. It is particularly highly valued for time fuses because of its very even burn rate.<ref name="Rushforth" /><ref name="Vedel" /> The wood was formerly used for [[shoe last]]s, nails, and veneer. The bark yields a yellow dye, and the unripe berries furnish a green dye.<ref name="Future" /> |
Alder buckthorn charcoal is prized in the manufacture of [[gunpowder]], being regarded as the best wood for the purpose. It is particularly highly valued for time fuses because of its very even burn rate.<ref name="Rushforth" /><ref name="Vedel" /> The wood was formerly used for [[shoe last]]s, nails, and veneer. The bark yields a yellow dye, and the unripe berries furnish a green dye.<ref name="Future" /> |
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{{Commons category|Frangula alnus|Rhamnus frangula}} |
{{Commons category|Frangula alnus|Rhamnus frangula}} |
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{{clear}} |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
{{Reflist|2}} |
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== Further reading == |
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* {{cite web | url=http://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/weeds/buckthorn-2010%20_2_.pdf | title=Invasive Plants of Wisconsin Common Buckthorn (''Rhamnus cathartica'') Glossy Buckthorn (''Frangula alnus'') | website=[[University of Wisconsin Extension]] | date=June 16, 2010 | access-date=February 3, 2022 | archive-date=February 7, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207132000/https://ipcm.wisc.edu/download/weeds/buckthorn-2010%20_2_.pdf | url-status=dead }} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.euforgen.org/species/frangula-alnus/ ''Frangula alnus''] - information, genetic conservation units and related resources. [[European Forest Genetic Resources Programme]] (EUFORGEN) |
*[http://www.euforgen.org/species/frangula-alnus/ ''Frangula alnus''] - information, genetic conservation units and related resources. [[European Forest Genetic Resources Programme]] (EUFORGEN) |
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*[http://www.euforgen.org/species/frangula-alnus/ ''Frangula alnus''] ''-'' Alder Buckthorn; info, images and video at [https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ Woodland Trust] |
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* {{PFAF|Frangula alnus}} |
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{{Taxonbar|from=Q146136}} |
{{Taxonbar|from=Q146136}} |
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Latest revision as of 01:54, 14 August 2024
| Frangula alnus | |
|---|---|
| |
| Foliage with mature and immature fruit | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rhamnaceae |
| Genus: | Frangula |
| Species: | F. alnus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Frangula alnus | |
| |
| Distribution map | |
| Synonyms[2][3] | |
| |
Frangula alnus, commonly known as alder buckthorn, glossy buckthorn, or breaking buckthorn, is a tall deciduous shrub in the family Rhamnaceae. Unlike other "buckthorns", alder buckthorn does not have thorns. It is native to Europe, northernmost Africa, and western Asia, from Ireland and Great Britain north to the 68th parallel in Scandinavia, east to central Siberia and Xinjiang in western China, and south to northern Morocco, Turkey, and the Alborz in Iran and the Caucasus Mountains; in the northwest of its range (Ireland, Scotland), it is rare and scattered. It is also introduced and naturalised in eastern North America.[4][5][6][7]
Description
[edit]
Alder buckthorn is a non-spiny deciduous shrub, growing to 3–6 m (10–20 ft), occasionally to 7 m (23 ft) tall. It is usually multistemmed but rarely forms a small tree with a trunk diameter of up to 20 cm (8 in). The bark is dark blackish-brown, with bright lemon-yellow inner bark exposed if cut. The shoots are dark brown, the winter buds without bud scales, protected only by the densely hairy outer leaves.
The leaves are arranged alternately on 8–15-millimetre (5⁄16–19⁄32-inch) petioles. They are ovate, 3–7 cm (1+1⁄4–2+3⁄4 in) long by 2.5–4 cm (1–1+5⁄8 in) wide (rarely to 11 cm or 4+1⁄4 in by 6 cm or 2+1⁄4 in). They have 6–10 pairs of prominently grooved and slightly downy veins and an entire margin.
The flowers are small, 3–5 mm (1⁄8–3⁄16 inch) in diameter, star-shaped with five greenish-white acute triangular petals, hermaphroditic, and insect-pollinated, flowering in May to June in clusters of two to ten in the leaf axils.
The fruit is a small black berry 6–10 mm (1⁄4–13⁄32 inch) in diameter, ripening from green through red in late summer to dark purple or black in early autumn, containing two or three pale brown 5-millimetre (3⁄16-inch) seeds. The seeds are primarily dispersed by frugivorous birds, which readily eat the fruit.[4][6][7][8][9]
Taxonomy and naming
[edit]
Alder buckthorn was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 as Rhamnus frangula. It was subsequently separated by Philip Miller in 1768 into the genus Frangula on the basis of its hermaphrodite flowers with a five-parted corolla (in Rhamnus the flowers are dioecious and four-parted); this restored the treatment of pre-Linnaean authors, notably Tournefort.[10] Although much disputed historically, the separation of Frangula from Rhamnus is now widely accepted, being supported by recent genetic data[11] though a few authorities still retain the genus within Rhamnus (e.g., the Flora of China[7]).
The genus name Frangula, from Latin frango "to break", refers to the brittle wood. Both the common name alder buckthorn and specific epithet alnus refer to its association with alders (Alnus) on damp sites. Unlike other "buckthorns", alder buckthorn does not have thorns.[12][8] Other recorded names include glossy buckthorn and breaking buckthorn; historically, it was sometimes called "dogwood" through confusion of the leaves with those of dogwood Cornus sanguinea.[12]
Ecology
[edit]Alder buckthorn grows in wet soils in open woods, scrub, hedgerows and bogs, thriving well in sunlight and moderate shade, but less vigorously in dense shade; it prefers acidic soils though will also grow on neutral soils.[6][12][9]
Frangula alnus is one of just two food plants (the other being Rhamnus cathartica) used by the common brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni). The flowers are valuable for bees, and the fruit an important food source for birds, particularly thrushes.[8]
Invasive species
[edit]Frangula alnus was probably introduced to North America about 200 years ago, and in Canada about 100 years ago. It was planted for hedgerows, forestry plantings, and wildlife habitat, but has become an invasive species, invading forests in the northeastern United States and wetlands and moist forest in the Midwestern United States.[13][14][15] It is predicted to continue to expand its North American range with time.[13] Its invasiveness is assisted by its high adaptability and pollution tolerance.[16] It is one of three species of buckthorn that occurs without cultivation in eastern Canada.[17]
It invades forests and grows in the understory in spots with a lot of light. These areas, usually where a tree has fallen, normally allow locally native tree seedlings to grow and eventually fill in the gap in the canopy. But when Frangula alnus invades and grows in these locations, its dense canopy prevents light from reaching the ground and therefore prevents other seedlings from growing.[16] It tends to grow more densely and with larger individuals in lower topographical areas with moist, fertile soils, and is very problematic for land managers. Uplands forests are not invaded as easily as lower lying ones. Hemlock-oak stands, which tend to be older stands of trees, are much less suitable for Frangula alnus because the density of the tree canopy creates a more shady environment that is not as suitable for Frangula alnus. Eastern white pine stands are easily invaded because they allow more light to reach the forest floor, and tree stands that are cut are very quickly invaded while undisturbed stands are rarely invaded.[18]
Habitat fragmentation
[edit]Although considered an invasive species in North America, In other places, such as Northern Ireland, Frangula alnus has suffered greatly from habitat loss.[19] This is due to the decline in its preferred habitats, which are boglands.[19][20] It is currently only found on the southern side of Lough Neagh, but it the past, it was also found on the northern side of the lake.[21] Compared to other populations of Frangula alnus, the population in Ireland also has lower genetic diversity.[19][22]
Control
[edit]Small saplings can be hand-pulled, but control of larger examples is best achieved using herbicides.[23] Frangula alnus and the related species Rhamnus cathartica have been banned from sale, transport, or import to Minnesota[24] and Illinois.[25] It is considered invasive, but not banned, in Connecticut.[26]
Uses
[edit]Decorative
[edit]
Alder buckthorn has limited decorative qualities without conspicuous flowers or bold foliage, and is mainly grown for its conservation value, particularly to attract Brimstone butterflies. A variegated cultivar Frangula alnus 'Variegata' and a cultivar with very slender leaves 'Asplenifolia' are sometimes grown in gardens as ornamental shrubs. The cultivar 'Tallhedge' has been selected for hedging.[27]
Medicinal
[edit]Galen, a Greek physician of the 2nd century A.D., knew of alder buckthorn, although he did not distinguish clearly in his writings between it and other closely related species. All of these plants though, were credited with the power to protect against witchcraft, demons, poisons, and headaches.[citation needed]
The bark (and to a lesser extent the fruit) has been used as a laxative, due to its 3–7% anthraquinone content. Bark for medicinal use is dried and stored for a year before use, as fresh bark is violently purgative; even dried bark can be dangerous if taken in excess.[4][27]
Other uses
[edit]Alder buckthorn charcoal is prized in the manufacture of gunpowder, being regarded as the best wood for the purpose. It is particularly highly valued for time fuses because of its very even burn rate.[4][12] The wood was formerly used for shoe lasts, nails, and veneer. The bark yields a yellow dye, and the unripe berries furnish a green dye.[27]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rhamnus frangula.
References
[edit]- ^ Walker, A. (2018). "Frangula alnus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T164056A68082189. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T164056A68082189.en. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "Frangula dodonei". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 3 March 2013.
- ^ "Frangula alnus". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – via The Plant List. Note that this website has been superseded by World Flora Online
- ^ a b c d Rushforth, K. (1999). Trees of Britain and Europe. Collins ISBN 0-00-220013-9.
- ^ Flora Europaea: Frangula alnus
- ^ a b c Stace, Clive, et al. Interactive Flora of NW Europe: Frangula alnus[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c Chen, Yilin; Schirarend, Carsten. "Rhamnus frangula". Flora of China. Vol. 12 – via eFloras.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
- ^ a b c Natural England: Alder buckthorn Archived 2011-07-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b Blamey, M. & Grey-Wilson, C. (1989). Flora of Britain and Northern Europe. ISBN 0-340-40170-2.
- ^ Miller, P. (1754). The Gardener's Dictionary, 8th ed. Facsimile at Botanicus.org
- ^ Bolmgren, K., & Oxelman, B. 2004. Generic limits in Rhamnus L. s.l. (Rhamnaceae) inferred from nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequence phylogenies. Archived 2011-08-19 at the Wayback Machine Taxon 53: 383–390.
- ^ a b c d Vedel, H., & Lange, J. (1960). Trees and Bushes in Wood and Hedgerow. Methuen & Co Ltd.
- ^ a b Wingard, Hanna S. "Invasion of transition hardwood forests by exotic Rhamnus frangula: Chronology and site requirements". University of New Hampshire, 2007.
- ^ "Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn". University of Maine Cooperative Extension Bulletin #2505. Archived from the original on 2009-07-14. Retrieved 2009-10-02.
- ^ "glossy buckthorn". Invasive.org: Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health.
- ^ a b "Guide to invasive upland plant species in New Hampshire" (PDF). New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species, page 14. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-08-28. Retrieved 2009-10-02.
- ^ Catling, P.M., and Z.S. Porebski. 1994. The history of invasion and current status of glossy buckthorn, Rhamnus frangula, in Southern Ontario. Canadian Field-Naturalist 108:305–310
- ^ Chelsea Cunard and Thomas D. Lee (2009). "Is patience a virtue? Succession, light, and the death of invasive glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus)". Biological Invasions. 11 (3). Biological Invasions:Volume 11, Number 3 / March, 2009: 577–586. Bibcode:2009BiInv..11..577C. doi:10.1007/s10530-008-9272-8. S2CID 23517872.
- ^ a b c Finlay, Caroline M. V.; Bradley, Caroline R.; Preston, S. Jane; Provan, Jim (December 2017). "Low genetic diversity and potential inbreeding in an isolated population of alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) following a founder effect". Scientific Reports. 7 (1): 3010. Bibcode:2017NatSR...7.3010F. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-03166-1. ISSN 2045-2322. PMC 5462792. PMID 28592885.
- ^ Rich, T.C.G.; Woodruff, E.R. (1996). "Changes in the vascular plant floras of England and Scotland between 1930–1960 and 1987–1988: The BSBI Monitoring Scheme". Biological Conservation. 75 (3): 217–229. Bibcode:1996BCons..75..217R. doi:10.1016/0006-3207(95)00077-1. ISSN 0006-3207.
- ^ McKay, H. V. (August 1991). "Egg-Laying Requirements of Woodland Butterflies; Brimstones (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)". The Journal of Applied Ecology. 28 (2): 731–743. Bibcode:1991JApEc..28..731M. doi:10.2307/2404579. ISSN 0021-8901. JSTOR 2404579.
- ^ RIGUEIRO, C.; ARROYO, J. M.; RODRÍGUEZ, R.; HAMPE, A.; JORDANO, P. (May 2009). "Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci forFrangula alnus(Rhamnaceae)". Molecular Ecology Resources. 9 (3): 986–989. doi:10.1111/j.1755-0998.2009.02527.x. ISSN 1755-098X. PMID 21564814. S2CID 15974997.
- ^ "What you can do to control buckthorn!". MN Department of Natural Resources.
- ^ "Buckthorn". MN Department of Natural Resources.
- ^ "Reminder to Gardeners: Some Exotic Plants Banned in Illinois". Illinois Department of Natural Resources. April 22, 2004. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011. Retrieved February 7, 2010.
- ^ "Connecticut Invasive Plant List July 2009" (PDF). CT Invasive Plants Council.
- ^ a b c "Frangula alnus". Plants for a Future.
Further reading
[edit]- "Invasive Plants of Wisconsin Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)" (PDF). University of Wisconsin Extension. June 16, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 7, 2022. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Frangula alnus - information, genetic conservation units and related resources. European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN)
- Frangula alnus - Alder Buckthorn; info, images and video at Woodland Trust
- "Frangula alnus". Plants for a Future.
