Frangula alnus 'Asplenifolia'
Common name: 
Asplenifolia Alder Buckthorn
Pronunciation: 
FRANG-gew-la al-nus
Family: 
Rhamnaceae
Genus: 
Frangula
Synonyms: 
Rhamnus alnifolia
Type: 
Broadleaf
Native to (or naturalized in) Oregon: 
No
  • Broadleaf deciduous shrub slow growing, to about 10 ft high and 6 ft wide (3 × 1.8 m).  Leaves simple, alternate, linear to linear-lanceolate, 4-6 cm long, but only 3-5 mm wide, with a wavy margin, fern-like appearance. Fruit globose, 6 mm across, red ripening to dark purple.
  • Sun or shade, best in well-drained soil
  • Hardy to USDA Zone 3

  • The species Frangula alnus was previously classified as Rhamnus frangula, this relatively recent change is now generally accepted by taxonomy authorities.  However, for commercial reasons, nurseries are slow to adopt changes in Latin names and this selection will likely be listed as Rhamnus frangula ‘Asplenifolia’ for some time to come.

  •  Asplenifolia: asplenium-like leaves (folia), refers to the fern genus Asplenium
  • Oregon State Univ. campus: westside of Cordley Hall (2013)
Click image to enlarge
  • plant habit

    plant habit

  • leaves

    leaves

  • leaves, stem and ripening fruit

    leaves, stem and ripening fruit

  • ripe fruit and leaves, fall

    ripe fruit and leaves, fall

  • plant habit, late fall

    plant habit, late fall

  • plant habit, winter

    plant habit, winter