Hippophae rhamnoides

Seabuckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides — commonly known as sea buckthorn — is a deciduous, thorny shrub valued for its narrow silvery-gray foliage, rugged branching, and dense clusters of bright orange berries that persist into winter on female plants when a male pollinator is nearby. Its upright to spreading habit gives it a coarse, natural appearance, and the fruit provides strong late-season color while contrasting beautifully with the silver foliage. The plant is highly tolerant of wind, salt, drought, and poor soils, making it especially useful in difficult sites.

Type: Deciduous shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 8–12 ft
Height: 8–12 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–7b

Form: Upright to spreading, suckering shrub

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, poor, and alkaline soils

Water: Low once established; highly drought tolerant

Wildlife: Berries attract birds; dense branching provides shelter for wildlife

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for naturalized plantings, erosion control, coastal sites, screening, and difficult dry areas. Fruit is highly ornamental and also valued for edible and medicinal uses. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve poor soils.

Care: Plant male and female selections for fruit production. Prune in late winter to control size and remove older stems. Watch for suckering if used in smaller landscape spaces. 🌿🟠

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

8-12'

Width

8-12'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Flower color

Brown

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Alkaline, Sandy well-drained

Landscape use

Erosion control mass planting, Privacy Screen

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes