Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Visit the shop for Wildflowers, Herbs, Cottage Garden Plants, Seeds, Hedging and Wedding Favours
Also known as Alder Dogwood, Purging Buckthorn and Waythorn. Thornless tree with five-petalled green flowers. Found in the wils in damp woodland, hedgerows and marshes. The name Alder Buckthorn comes from the Greek "rhamnos", meaning branch. Small white flowers are followed by pendulous red berries which turn black in September.
The Brimstone butterfly lays its eggs under the leaves in early spring and the hatching caterpillars feed on the emerging leaves and shoots. Field mice also like to eat the berries.
Berries that are picked unripe are called Sappe berries and are steeped in alum water to give a yellow dye, which is used by painters, bookbinders and leather craftsmen. When the berries are black they yield a green dye. A purple dye can also be obtained.
Alder Buckthorn is good for constipation, gall bladder and liver problems and piles. Steeped in red or white wine the bark has laxative properties, but note that fresh bark is never used, only bark from 3 - 4 year old trees. Fresh bark and unripe fruit are toxic. The bark needs to age at least a year before use.
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*