How much sun does Alder Buckthorn need?

Alder Buckthorn grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Alder Buckthorn bloom?

Alder Buckthorn blooms in May, June, and July.

Is Alder Buckthorn toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alder Buckthorn as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Alder Buckthorn attract?

Alder Buckthorn draws bees and flies.

Is Alder Buckthorn HOA-friendly?

Alder Buckthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Alder Buckthorn

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Frangula alnus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Alder Buckthorn as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

72"–240" H × 48"–144" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Alder Buckthorn

Alder Buckthorn is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Alder buckthorn is a large deciduous shrub that can reach up to 20 feet tall and 12 feet wide. It produces small greenish flowers from May through July and thrives in partial sun with moderate water needs. This adaptable shrub works well as a screening plant or in naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Alder Buckthorn takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Invasive species in many areas
Can spread aggressively
Large mature size may appear unkempt

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and flies during the long blooming period from late spring through summer. Birds also benefit from the small berries that follow the flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Alder Buckthorn need?: Alder Buckthorn grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Alder Buckthorn bloom?: Alder Buckthorn blooms in May, June, and July.
Is Alder Buckthorn toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Alder Buckthorn as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Alder Buckthorn attract?: Alder Buckthorn draws bees and flies.
Is Alder Buckthorn HOA-friendly?: Alder Buckthorn takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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