| PSC 2620: Woody Trees and Shrub | Course Home | Week 3 |
Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris' - Tallhedge Buckthorn
Plant Viewer
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| The leaf is 1-3 inches long and ovate, with conspicuous veins. | Tallhedge Buckthorn provides a great vertical accent in the landscape. |
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| The fruit is 1/2 inch in diameter and ripens to black. |
Plant Description
Rhamnus frangula 'Columnaris', or Tallhedge Buckthorn, is one of the best vertical accent plants available when it is well maintained. Conversely, if it is neglected and left unpruned it becomes a rather unkempt and unsightly tangle of dead wood. Regular pruning of dead wood to encourage new growth is needed to keep this plant looking its best. It grows 10-15 feet high and 5 feet wide.
Young stems are a reddish-brown, with mature stems having a brown to gray color. It grows best in well-drained soil, though it is adequately tolerant of most soil types. Plant in full to partial sun. The leaves are dark green leaves are ovate, 1-3 inches long and slightly narrower, with the veins clearly visible. They are arranged alternately on the stem. In the fall they turn a yellow color.
Very small pale-green flowers in spring turn into drupes, 1/2 inch in diameter. The fruit emerges red before it slowly turns to black. The fruit ripens at different times, and one shrub will simultaneously have fruit at many stages of development on it. The fruit is readily consumed by birds, who then spread the seeds. This has made Tallhedge Buckthorn somewhat of a nuisance, especially in more fertile and temperate climates.
Landscape Use
As a vertical accent or a hedge.
Points of interest
Tallhedge Buckthorn is susceptible to leaf spot.
Notable Cultivars
Ron Williams (Fine Line): Thin lacy foliage creates a light and airy look. Smaller and more compact than 'Columnaris'. 4-5 feet high, 18 inches wide
