Sea Buckthorn

This evening, I am indulging in horticultural matters focusing on a spiny shrub named Sea Buckthorn.

About five years ago I saw a TV programme reporting on a grower in southern England who had established a plantation of the shrubs with aim of harvesting the berries for their medicinal benefits.

The shrub is actually native to sand dunes along the east coast of England but is planted in other areas to help stabilise dune systems. It forms dense thickets with thorny twigs. Although it has small green flowers the shrub is most noticeable in the autumn (fall) when an abundance of bright orange berries become evident. 

Following enquiry at my local garden centre I was advised not to grow the shrub as it was not suitable for the clay based soil in my (SW Scotland) locality. However, I went ahead, purchased some young shrubs online, and -lo and behold- after five years the young shrubs have grown to heights of about 15 feet.Of equal importance is the extensive crop of berries which have emerged for the first time.

According to research on the web Sea Buckthorn oil is a popular alternative remedy for a variety of ailments. It is rich in many nutrients and may improve the health of one's skin, immune system, liver, and heart. It may also help protect against diabetes and even certain types of cancer.

The berries have a bitter-sweet taste. 

 Fast growing Sea Buckthorn shrub (in centre of image).


 

Close-up of berries

  Close-up of berries


 Close-up of berries

First harvest. Maybe a tad premature but there are many berries left to pick.



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