Sea Buckthorn
Elaeagnus rhamnoides
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This willow-like shrub is well known as being having medicinal values as well as being edible. Sea Buckthorn is in the Elaeagnaceae so there are some resemblances to the Autumn Olive shrub and Russian Olive tree. Its Latin name is Elaeagnus rhamnoides but it is also known as Hippophae rhamnoides. This shrub is native to northwestern Europe, through central Asia to western and northern China and the northern Himalayas. It his also known as Siberian Pineapple, Sea Berry, Sandthorn or Sallow Thorn. Sea Buckthorn is a stocky shrub growing up to 2m (6') tall, with thorny branches densely packed with orange fruit. It was used in ancient Greece as a fodder for horses to promote weight gain and a shiny coat.
Trunk/Bark
Sea Buckthorn has a single trunk which grows in girth with age and branches out. It is generally smooth, brown to dark brown to almost black, with thorns occuring where it branches out.
Branches/Twigs
The branches are dense, stiff, and very thorny with both terminal and axillary twig spines.
Height
This shrub can grow to over 4m tall (12').
Leaves/Needles
Leaves are linear or lanceolate shaped, 3 to 8 cm (up to 3") long and are very thin, less than 7 mm (0.27") wide. They are dark grey-green on the upper surface and a distinct pale, silvery-grey on the lower surface.
Flowers
Flowers are small, yellow and appear before the leaves being produced on three-year-old shrubs.
Fruit
Habitat
In the wild, this grows in a variety of environments in which there is full sun and adequate moisture.
Edible Parts
Largely, this shrub is known for its edible fruit, although the leaves can be picked, dried, and stored to make tea.
Other Name
Sallow Thorn.
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