Sea Buckthorn Hippophae rhamnoides
ABOUT
The plant known as sea buckthorn is a deciduous shrub recognizable by its thorny branches and silver-green leaves. It is distinguished by its narrow, elongated leaves with a silver underside, giving them a shiny appearance, and a dark green upper side. During the flowering season, the sea buckthorn produces small, inconspicuous male and female flowers on separate plants. The male flowers are yellowish and appear in dense clusters, whereas the female flowers are more modest and solitary. The most distinctive feature of the plant is its bright orange to yellow berries, which are rich in vitamin C and about the size of small peas. These berries tend to cluster densely along the branches and can remain on the bush throughout winter, providing a stark contrast to the plant's foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Elaeagnaceae.
Synonyms
Sea Buckthorn, Sandthorn, Seaberry, Sallowthorn, Siberian Pineapple.
Common names
Elaeagnus rhamnoides, Hippophae angustifolia, Hippophae fluviatilis, Hippophae litoralis, Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. fluviatilis, Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. turkestanica, Rhamnoides hippophae.
ToxicityTo humans
Sea buckthorn is generally not considered toxic to humans. It is actually valued for its nutritional properties, including high vitamin C content in its berries. However, as with any plant, individual allergies may occur, and consuming large quantities could potentially cause mild digestive upset due to its high fiber content.
To pets
Sea buckthorn is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. The plant, including its berries, leaves, and seeds, is not listed among the common toxic plants for animals such as dogs and cats. However, it's always wise to introduce any new food to a pet in moderation and watch for any signs of an adverse reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
6 6 (2m)
Spread
6 6 (2m)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- High Nutritional Value: Sea buckthorn berries are rich in various vitamins, especially vitamin C, as well as minerals, antioxidants, amino acids, and fatty acids.
- Erosion Control: The plant's extensive root system helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife Habitat: Sea buckthorn provides shelter and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects.
- Drought Resistance: The plant is highly adaptable to poor soil conditions and is capable of surviving droughts, making it suitable for arid regions.
- Windbreak: Sea buckthorn can be used to create windbreaks to protect other crops and reduce soil erosion by wind.
- Ornamental Use: With its bright orange berries and silvery-green foliage, sea buckthorn can serve as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
- Agricultural Benefits: It can be used as a companion plant, improving the surrounding soil's nutrient profile through nitrogen fixation.
- Culinary Uses: The berries are used in a variety of recipes including jams, juices, and sauces.
- Livestock Fodder: The leaves and branches can be used as fodder for livestock, particularly goats and sheep.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in various body tissues.
- Antioxidant: Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage by free radicals.
- Immunomodulatory: Modulates the immune system, potentially boosting immune response.
- Cardioprotective: May offer protection against cardiovascular diseases.
- Antitumor: Exhibits properties that might help in the prevention or treatment of tumors.
- Anti-aging: Promotes skin health and reduces the signs of aging.
- Gastroprotective: Protects the gastrointestinal tract and helps in the treatment of ulcers.
- Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver from toxic substances and damage.
- Antimicrobial: Fights against a range of microbial infections.
- Regenerative: Aids in the healing and regeneration of bodily tissues.
- Radioprotective: Provides protection against the harmful effects of radiation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sea buckthorn wood is durable and resistant to decay, making it useful for crafting small items such as wooden utensils and carving arts.
- The extensive root system of sea buckthorn helps in combating soil erosion, making it an important plant for land reclamation projects.
- In landscaping, sea buckthorn is valued for its bright orange berries and silvery-green foliage, providing year-round interest in gardens.
- The plant is a nitrogen fixer, improving soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by other plants.
- Foliage from the sea buckthorn can serve as livestock fodder, particularly for sheep and goats, during times when other feed is scarce.
- Sea buckthorn oil can be used in the production of natural cosmetics, due to its nourishing properties for skin and hair.
- The bright-colored berries of sea buckthorn can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and other materials.
- It's planted as a windbreak in agricultural fields to protect crops from the damaging effects of wind erosion.
- The plant's ability to grow in sandy and saline soils makes it ideal for rehabilitating wastelands and improving the local ecology.
- Sea buckthorn berries are a key ingredient in some niche culinary products like gourmet sauces, jellies, and mustards.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sea Buckthorn is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sea Buckthorn is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Survival and Resilience: Hippophae rhamnoides, commonly known as Sea Buckthorn, often grows in challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
- Healing: Sea Buckthorn has medicinal properties, symbolizing healing and rejuvenation.
- Vitality: With its high vitamin content, Sea Buckthorn represents life energy and robust health.
- Balance: The plant’s use in traditional medicine to restore balance in the body symbolizes harmony and equilibrium.
- Protection: Due to its dense thorny shrubs, Sea Buckthorn can represent a natural barrier or protection.
WaterSea Buckthorn prefers dry, well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering once established. During the first growing season, water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 gallons per plant to encourage a strong root system. After establishment, water sparingly, only when the top few inches of soil are dry, which might be approximately once every two to three weeks, depending on climate. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, increase watering slightly, but always allow the soil to dry out between watering sessions.
LightSea Buckthorn thrives in full sun and requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce the best fruit and foliage. Choose a spot in the garden that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day. Sea Buckthorn can tolerate some light shade but may not fruit as prolifically.
TemperatureSea Buckthorn is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from -40°F to 104°F. However, the ideal growing temperature for Sea Buckthorn is between 50°F and 86°F. The plant is frost-hardy and can withstand cold winters, making it ideal for many temperate regions.
PruningSea Buckthorn should be pruned to maintain shape and remove dead or weak branches, which will encourage healthy growth and fruit production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune Sea Buckthorn every year or two to thin out dense branches, opening up the plant to better air circulation and sunlight penetration.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSea buckthorn thrives best in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil mix should be composed of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part peat or compost to maintain fertility and ensure adequate drainage.
RepottingSea buckthorn plants do not need to be repotted often as they are typically grown outdoors and can thrive in the same location for many years. However, if grown in containers, repotting every 2-3 years may be necessary to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingSea buckthorn plants are adaptable to a wide range of humidity conditions and do not require a specific humidity level. They can tolerate dry air and are well-suited to temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Sea buckthorn requires full sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering to grow indoors.
Outdoor
Plant sea buckthorn in full sun, well-drained soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleSea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) begins its life as a seed, typically germinating in the spring after experiencing stratification through the winter cold to break dormancy. The seedling emerges and grows into a juvenile plant, with its first true leaves developing an extensive root system. As the plant matures, it develops into a dioecious shrub, with separate male and female plants, reaching sexual maturity and flowering after about 3 to 4 years. Pollination occurs mainly by wind, with female plants producing orange berries once fertilized. These berries mature late in the summer or in autumn, containing seeds that ensure the perpetuation of the species. The shrub has a high tolerance for harsh conditions and can live for up to 30 to 50 years, continuously producing fruit annually once it reaches maturity.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Propogation: The Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides, is commonly propagated by seed or by using hard or semi-hard wood cuttings. The most popular method of propagation for Sea Buckthorn is by seed. Seeds are usually collected from ripe berries in the fall and sown either immediately or stored and then stratified at 39°F (4°C) for 60 to 90 days before planting in the spring. The seeds require light for germination, so they are sown superficially or covered with a very light layer of soil. It is crucial to maintain a moist environment for the seeds, but overwatering must be avoided to prevent rot. Seedlings often vary genetically and may not be true to the parent plant, which is why some cultivators prefer vegetative propagation methods to maintain clone fidelity.
