Hippophae rhamnoides - Sea buckthorn

Commonly known as the Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides is a deciduous shrub growing to a maximum height of approximately 6 metres. It is native to the cold temperature regions of Europe and Asia and can withstand temperatures of below -20C.

It has a broad vase-shaped crown with rough, spiny brown bark. Leaves are elongated grey-green before turning yellow in autumn.

In early spring, clusters of small green-yellow flowers bloom. This is shortly followed by fleshy, bright orange berries in the summer; a firm favourite with wildlife and birds.

Sea buckthorn is extremely resilient to salt laden winds and coastal conditions and therefore makes it a perfect tree for a location with these exposures. It is also tolerant to flooding and drought, making it an extremely resistant tree. Hippophae rhamnoides is also low maintenance, needing little to no pruning, depending on desired shape.

FACT: Hippophae rhamnoides berries contain Vitamin C content 15 times greater than that of an orange. Because of this, it is used in drinks and also the oils are used in some cosmetics.