Sea buckthorn

Profile

Family

Elaeagnaceae

Habit

Shrub

Height

6 m

Spread

6 m

Growth

medium

Lifespan

35 years

First yield

after 4 years

Hardiness

zone 3–7

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very wet

pH

6 – 8

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Edible: Fruit can be consumed raw or cooked and is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. While some may find them too sour when raw, children generally enjoy them. Fruit is commonly juiced for its vitamins and pleasant aroma. It is known for its health benefits and is often mixed with other fruits for juice production. Certain species and varieties have a high oil content of up to 9.2%. The small fruits, about 6-8 mm in diameter, are abundantly produced along the stems. They lose some of their sourness after frost or when cooked. Ripe fruits are available from late September and typically remain on the plants throughout winter unless eaten by birds.

Medicinal: Anodyne, antidote, diuretic, and fever reducer. The root juice effectively counteracts arsenic poisoning and has a historical use in cancer treatment. Root extracts show antitumor properties, while a tea from boiled roots acts as a diuretic.

Other uses: Sea buckthorn is highly resistant to saltwater exposure and can serve as a protective barrier without needing much pruning. Its strong root system and fast growth make it effective for soil conservation, particularly on sandy terrain. This plant grows rapidly in open areas, enriching the soil with nitrogen, making it suitable for reforestation in challenging environments. However, sea buckthorn's preference for ample sunlight can lead to it being overshadowed by forest trees. The seeds contain around 12-13% of a slow-drying oil, and the fruit juice, rich in vitamins, is used in skincare products. The fruit yields a yellow dye, while the stems, roots, and leaves provide another yellow dye, and young leaves and shoots offer a blackish-brown dye. Sea buckthorn wood is tough, durable, and fine-grained, ideal for carpentry, turning, fuel, and charcoal production.

Growing

Thrives in various soil types, even poor ones, if not overly dry, and does well in moist or waterside locations. Mature plants are highly resistant to drought and prefer sunny spots, as they struggle to grow in shade and can perish if overshadowed. They also flourish in sandy soils and are quite tolerant of coastal conditions. Growth is relatively slow. While typically coastal, these plants also thrive inland and can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C. An attractive plant, sometimes grown for its edible fruits, especially in Northern Europe. Some cultivated varieties, like 'Leikora,' have been developed for their ornamental appeal. Due to their nutritious fruits, plants in this genus are of interest to breeding programs for their health benefits. This species forms a symbiotic relationship with specific soil bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen in nodules on the roots. The plant utilizes some of this nitrogen, with the excess benefiting nearby plants. They produce many runners, especially in sandy soils. Dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for seed production. Sexes are indistinguishable until flowering, with male plants having prominent conical buds in winter, while female buds are smaller and round. Plants in this genus are known for their resistance to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seeds should be sown in spring in a sunny spot within a cold frame. While germination is typically fast and successful, a 3-month cold stratification period could enhance germination rates. Another option is to sow seeds in autumn right after they mature in a cold frame. Once seedlings are big enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and nurture them in a greenhouse during the initial winter. By late spring, they should be ready to be planted in their permanent spot. For an easy method of vegetative propagation, take cuttings from semi-ripe shoots in a frame around June or July. Taking cuttings from mature wood in autumn is a more challenging process. These cuttings should be collected in late autumn or very early spring before buds start to appear. Store them in a mixture of sand and peat until April, then cut them into 7-9 cm long pieces and plant them in a plastic tent with bottom heat. Root development is expected within two months, and they can be transferred to their final location in the autumn. During winter, divide the runners. These can be directly planted in their final spot and usually establish themselves well and quickly. In the fall, consider layering as another propagation method.

Notable

Special features: drought, salt, and sea wind tolerant; forms runners!; at least 1 male to 6 female plants; fruit ripens from mid-summer to late autumn, depending on the variety; fruits hang all winter; a symbiosis with bacteria producing vitamin B12 is said to develop on the outer skin of the fruit; Hippophae salicifolia is better suited for heavier soils.

Origin & habitat

Europe, from Norway to Spain and Asia to Japan and the Himalayas.

Forests and hedgerows.

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