Sea Buckthorn

Growing

When planting this spiny, deciduous shrub, include a second plant of a different variety for pollination. Because of its symbiotic relationship with Frankia bacteria, sea buckthorn improves the ground it inhabits by fixing nitrogen through its root nodules. This gradually increases soil fertility and organic matter, making it useful for restoring degraded land or stabilizing slopes with its deep, extensive taproot system.

The shrub is hardy and drought-tolerant once established, but it can succumb to wilt disease (called "dry rot" or "shrivelled disease"), especially under environmental stress. Plant in well-draining soil and avoid waterlogged conditions. As the plant matures, its dense, thorny thickets provide shelter and food for birds like thrushes and warblers.

Since the berries do not continue to ripen once removed from the branch, harvest them only when fully ready. Store your harvest unwashed. You can preserve the fruit by freezing, drying, or canning.