ExplorePlants

Sea-buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

Sea-buckthorn is a bright orange shrub that grows by the sea and in sunny places. Its small berries are packed with vitamins and are loved by birds and people alike!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Sea-buckthorn is a thorny shrub or small tree with distinct narrow, silvery-green leaves. Its most striking feature is dense clusters of bright orange or yellow berries that cling tightly to the branches, often remaining through winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyElaeagnaceaeGenusHippophae
Sea-buckthorn
nitrogen_fixing trait badgeshrub trait badgecold_hardy trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Sea-buckthorn

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Did you know Sea-buckthorn berries contain 15 times more Vitamin C than oranges? Wow!

Its scientific name, Hippophae, means 'shiny horse,' because ancient Greeks fed it to horses!

Sea-buckthorn berries can stay on branches all winter, providing food for birds when scarce!

The vibrant orange oil from its berries is used in cosmetics and skincare products!

Special abilities

Ability

Soil Enricher

Sea-buckthorn has special root nodules that help it add important nitrogen to the soil, making it richer for other plants.

Ability

Thorny Protector

Sea-buckthorn can grow sharp thorns along its branches, helping to protect its valuable berries and leaves from hungry animals.

Ability

Sand Stabilizer

Sea-buckthorn can spread widely with deep roots and suckers, helping to hold sandy soils together and prevent erosion on coasts.

Measurements & details

Height
200-600 cm
Spread
150-300 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

eaten by

Fieldfare

Turdus pilaris

Feeds on its nutrient-rich berries in winter.

shelters

Chaffinch

Fringilla coelebs

Uses its dense, thorny branches for nesting and protection.

symbiotic with

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Frankia alni

Fixes nitrogen in root nodules, enriching the soil.

eaten by

European Hare

Lepus europaeus

Browses on its bark and young shoots, especially in winter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always ask an adult before trying any berries you find in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Sea-buckthorn?

The easiest way to identify Sea-buckthorn is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Sea-buckthorn?

200-600 cm

How wide does Sea-buckthorn spread?

150-300 cm

When does Sea-buckthorn bloom?

Spring

Is Sea-buckthorn edible?

Yes

Is Sea-buckthorn toxic?

None

What is Sea-buckthorn's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Sea-buckthorn pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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