seabuckthorn plants
available from late May until early October by appointment and during Open House
To order plants, to book an orchard tour, or for additional information please contact marlene@thehealingarc.com
AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW YOUR OWN CITRUS
Sea Buckthorn: Latin Name (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) Family Elaeagnaceae
Legend tells how the ancient Greeks used Sea Buckthorn leaves in a diet for race horses, hence its botanical name “hippophae” which translates to shiny horse. Sea Buckthorn is classified as a shrub however we attempt to have it grow from a main stem to limit breakage from the weight of the fruit. Sea Buckthorn plants will grow up to 17 feet tall.
MATURE FEMALE SEA BUCKTHORN PLANT
Berries will only grow on second year growth. The Sea Buckthorn berry is green prior to ripening. When ripe it is a brilliant orange to orange red in colour. Note how the Sea Buckthorn berries grow in clusters similar to grapes.
MATURE MALE SEA BUCKTHORN PLANT
The brown nodules produce the pollen. Sea Buckthorn is only wind pollinated and this generally takes place mid to late April.
ROOT MASS FROM A HARVESTED LEADER
This is a root mass from a harvested leader. Note the nitrogen nodules on the roots. They look like small tubers. These young leaves are very high in nutrients. An interesting fact is that the fresh leaves are approximately 20% protein.
Sea Buckthorn Plant Facts
Sea Buckthorn should not be confused with Common Buckthorn sometimes
known as European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
- Survives temperatures from +40 to -40 degrees Celsius
- Dioecious: A male and female tree are required to produce fruit
- Only the female tree produces fruit
- Wind pollinated, drought resistant, and enjoys full sun
- Sea Buckthorn will not tolerate wet feet and prefers alkaline to acid soil
- Nitrogen fixing and pest resistant
- Provides an excellent wildlife habitat
- Can be used for soil erosion and land reclamation
- Our orchard grows Sea Buckthorn for the berries which are used for the fruit, juice, oil, and pulp.
- There are many ornamental varieties of Sea Buckthorn.
- Approximately 8 berries supply daily allotment of Vitamin C (See attachment)
- Pruning is essential
