Origin
Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia, commonly known as Birchleaf Buckthorn or Alderleaf Buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the family Rhamnaceae. The plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions including Newfoundland, Labrador, and Quebec.
Common Names
Besides Birchleaf Buckthorn and Alderleaf Buckthorn, Frangula betulifolia also goes by other names such as Betulifolia Buckthorn, Birchleaf California Coffeeberry, and Birchleaf Coffeeberry.
Uses
The plant has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries by the indigenous people of North America. Its bark and roots contain anthraquinones, which have laxative properties and are used to treat constipation. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to reduce inflammation in the digestive system.
Frangula betulifolia is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. Its leaves turn bright red in the autumn, adding a pop of color to any garden. The plant is easy to care for and can withstand extreme temperatures and drought.
General Appearance
Frangula betulifolia is a flowering shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The plant has a multi-stemmed, upright growth habit and a rounded shape. Its leaves are small, ovate to oblong-ovate, and have a bright green color on the top surface and a lighter green color on the underside. In the autumn, the leaves turn a bright red or yellow color.
The plant produces small flowers that are greenish-white in color and bloom in the spring. These flowers are followed by small, berry-like fruits that start out green and turn black as they ripen. The fruits are edible but are not commonly consumed due to their bitter taste.
Growth Conditions for Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia
Light: Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate partial shade, but its growth might be less vigorous than the ones in full sun. As a result, it is better to grow this plant in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature: This plant is native to mountainous regions, so it can tolerate a range of temperatures. However, it grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, where the average annual temperature ranges between -30 and 20 degrees Celsius (-22 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit).
Soil: Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia grows in a wide range of soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (between 4.5 and 7.5). This plant can tolerate a certain degree of soil salinity, so it can be grown near coastal areas. However, it does not grow well in alkaline soils with a high pH level. To improve the soil structure and drainage, add organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or well-aged manure.
Water: Like most shrubs, Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia needs a consistent supply of water during the growing season. Water the plant deeply once a week, rather than shallowly every day. Make sure that the soil drains well and does not become waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilizer: Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia does not need much fertilizer, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring if the soil lacks nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in equal amounts.
Pruning: Prune Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out any crossing or crowded branches. You can also shape the plant if necessary.
Cultivation Method
Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia is a plant that tolerates a wide range of conditions. It is usually propagated through seeds. The seeds should be stratified before planting, and the temperature should be maintained at about 70°F. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to a permanent location. The plant is adaptable to most soil types, but it grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter.
Watering Needs
Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia requires regular watering during its growing season to remain healthy and to produce well. However, avoid excess water as standing water around the roots can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia does not require heavy fertilization to grow well. Normally, a light fertilization once a year is adequate in late winter or early spring. Use an all-purpose fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 5-10-5, according to the manufacturer's instructions. Note that over-fertilization can cause the plant to grow too lush and weak, therefore avoid excess fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning Frangula betulifolia (Greene) V. Grub. ssp. betulifolia is necessary to maintain its shape and to remove any disease or damaged branches. The best time to conduct pruning is during late winter or early spring before the onset of the new season's growth. During the first few years, allow the plant to grow without pruning keeping in mind the final desired outline. After that, start pruning lightly by cutting the top branches to the size you need, always bearing in mind that the plant should retain its natural shape as much as possible.
Propagation of Frangula betulifolia
Frangula betulifolia, also known as betulifolia, is a small shrub that belongs to the Rhamnaceae family. This plant is typically propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Seed Propagation
To propagate Frangula betulifolia from seed, collect ripened fruits or drupes when they turn from green to dark purple to black in late summer or fall. Clean the fruits and extract the seeds by mashing them in water or by soaking them in water for a few days. Sow the seeds in flats or seed trays that have been filled with well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them in a warm, bright location with high humidity. The seeds will usually germinate within 1-2 months.
Cutting Propagation
To propagate Frangula betulifolia by cuttings, take softwood cuttings in the early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and they should be taken from stems that don’t have flowers. Remove the lower leaves of the cuttings, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert them in a rooting medium. Keep the cuttings in a warm, bright location with high humidity until they develop roots. Transplant the new plants to individual pots or directly into the garden after they have grown several sets of leaves.
