Alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula 'Asplenifolia') RAM-nus FRANG-ew-lah Genus:  Rhamnus

A bushy, deciduous, slow-growing shrub with finely textured, scalloped leaves, this plant grows to 12 feet tall and almost as wide. 'Asplenifolia' bears clusters of green flowers, followed by round red fruit that ripens to black in the fall. Grow in a shrub border or as hedging. All parts may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Flowers are very attractive to bees. Red fall color. Slow-growing cultivar. Fern-like leaves.

Care: 

Prefers moist soil in full sun or partial shade.

Propagation: 

Sow seed in a cold frame as soon as ripe. Root greenwood cuttings in early summer, or layer in fall or spring.

Problems: 

Scale insects, caterpillars, rust, and Cercospora and Septoria leaf spots.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft. Growth Habit Spreads Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Showy Fall Foliage, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer Flower Color Green Uses Beds and Borders Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Type Shrubs