Photographs: Co. Cork

Alder Buckthorn Frangula alnus (Rhamnus frangula) Draighean fearna Family: Rhamnaceae Flowering: May-June. Deciduous small tree or shrub. Native / introduced Small clusters of green-white flowers with 5 petals are followed by green berries that turn red then black when ripe. The alternate, un-toothed leaves turn yellow or red in autumn. Erect thornless branches. Usually found in damp woods, scrub, fens and heaths in lowland areas but avoids permanently waterlogged ground. A rare native in west and central Ireland but often planted in gardens and hedges

Alder Buckthorn, Frangula alnus, Draighean fearna