Overview & Description

The Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has a male and female plant vital for fruit production, as this species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. This large, upright, suckering shrub features narrow, silvery-green willow-like leaves and thorny branches. In spring, it produces clusters of tiny yellow-brown flowers before foliage emerges. The male plant does not bear fruit but is essential for pollinating female plants through wind pollination.

Growth & Size

This variety exhibits an upright, vigorous, and suckering growth habit, often forming dense thickets. It typically reaches a mature size of about 8 to 16 feet in height with a spread of 7 to 12 feet. It is fast-growing and cold-hardy to Zone 3.

Additional Notes

It blooms in early spring before leaves emerge. Highly adaptable and low-maintenance, it tolerates drought, salt, wind, and poor, dry, alkaline soils. Its roots fix nitrogen, improving soil fertility. An outstanding choice for naturalized areas, windbreaks, shelterbelts, erosion control, or as a functional addition where one male can pollinate up to 5-6 female plants for berry production.