Hippophae rhamnoides L.: common seabuckthorn

Abstract

Common seabuckthorn - Hippophae rhamnoides L. - is native to northwestern Europe through central Asia to the Altai Mountains, western and northern China, and the northern Himalayas. Of the 2 species in the genus, only common seabuckthorn is widely cultivated (Rehder 1940). A very hardy deciduous shrub or a small tree, common seabuckthorn is used primarily for ornamental purposes. In Europe and Asia, it is used to form hedges and, because of its nitrogen- fixing symbionts, serves to enrich and protect soils (Bogdon and Untaru 1967; Kao 1964; Stewart and Pearson 1967). A tendency to form thickets by root suckering limits its use in shelterbelts. In Asia, the plant has a variety of medicinal uses (Ma 1989). The berries, which are a rich source of vitamins (Stocker 1948; Valicek 1978; Zhmyrko and others 1978), have been used in making a cordial and jam in Siberia (Hansen 1931). The plant stems bear many sharp, stout thorns and provide protection, cover, and food for various birds and small rodents (Hansen 1931; Pearson and Rogers 1962).

Parent Publication

• The Woody Plant Seed Manual

Citation

Busing, Richard T.; Slabaugh, Paul E. 2008. Hippophae rhamnoides L.: common seabuckthorn. In: Bonner, Franklin T.; Karrfalt, Robert P., eds. The Woody Plant Seed Manual. Agric. Handbook No. 727. Washington, DC. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. p. 588-590.