Buckthorn: A Tale of Two Families
Understanding the world of buckthorn requires differentiating between two distinct plant families: Elaeagnaceae and Rhamnaceae. This is the most crucial step for anyone asking, "Can you use buckthorn berries?" The confusion stems from the shared common name, but the berries' edibility and overall plant characteristics are worlds apart.
The edible superstar is sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), a coastal shrub valued for its tart, vitamin C-rich orange berries. The toxic imposters are common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), invasive shrubs with black or purple berries that contain potent laxative compounds. Consuming the berries of common buckthorn or glossy buckthorn can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress, including cramps, nausea, and diarrhea.
The Superfruit: Using Sea Buckthorn Berries
Sea buckthorn berries are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids like omega-7. Their high acidity and tart flavor mean they are rarely eaten raw but are a versatile ingredient in many culinary and medicinal applications.
- Culinary Uses: Sea buckthorn berries are commonly used to make juice, nectar, jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, and dressings. Their tartness pairs well with sweeter fruits or in savory dishes.
- Herbal Tea: The leaves can be dried to make a nutritious tea.
- Skincare: Oil extracted from the seeds and pulp is used in cosmetic products for its purported skin-healing properties.
The Invasive Threat: Why You Must Avoid Toxic Buckthorn
Common and glossy buckthorn are considered invasive species in many parts of North America, having been introduced as ornamental shrubs. Their aggressive growth and adaptability allow them to outcompete native plants and disrupt ecosystems.
- Ecological Impact: They create dense shade, release a toxic compound called emodin into the soil, and their laxative berries are spread by wildlife, further aiding their invasion.
- Human Health Risk: The potent laxative compounds in the berries can cause severe stomach upset and dehydration if consumed.
Comparison Table: Sea Buckthorn vs. Common Buckthorn
To ensure your safety and protect local ecosystems, use the following table to help you identify the differences.
| Feature | Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) | Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) |
|---|---|---|
| Berry Color | Bright orange or golden-yellow | Purple-black when ripe |
| Berry Taste | Extremely sour and tart | Bitter and unpleasant |
| Berry Ripening Time | Late summer to autumn | Ripen in autumn |
| Leaf Appearance | Long, narrow, and silvery-grey underneath | Dark green, egg-shaped, and shiny |
| Thorns | Very thorny, dense branches | Thorny, often with a spine at the end of branches |
| Edibility | Edible, used in juices, jams, and oils | Toxic, causes severe diarrhea and cramps |
| Habitat | Primarily coastal areas and sand dunes | Wide variety of habitats, highly invasive |
| Ecological Role | Native to Eurasia, fixes nitrogen | Invasive in North America, crowds out native plants |
Safe Harvesting and Ecological Responsibility
Foraging for sea buckthorn requires careful harvesting due to its thorns. A common technique involves cutting berry-laden branches and freezing them to easily remove the berries. Regenerative cutting is important to maintain plant health and leave some growth for wildlife.
For common or glossy buckthorn, the recommended action is eradication to prevent its spread and protect native biodiversity. Proper identification of these invasive species is essential for effective removal and reporting if necessary.
The Importance of Correct Identification
Accurate identification is paramount when considering using buckthorn berries. Confusing edible sea buckthorn with toxic common buckthorn can have serious health consequences. Always use reliable botanical resources to confirm identification before consuming any wild berries. If uncertain, do not consume them.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether you can use buckthorn berries hinges on correct species identification. Edible sea buckthorn offers nutritional benefits and culinary uses, while common and glossy buckthorn are toxic invasives that should be avoided and ideally removed. Respecting the distinctions between these plants is key to both personal safety and ecological health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you eat any type of buckthorn berry?
No, you cannot eat any type of buckthorn berry. Only sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) produces edible berries. The berries of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) are toxic and should not be consumed.
What happens if you eat common buckthorn berries?
Ingesting common buckthorn berries can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, including abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and strong, watery diarrhea due to their potent laxative properties.
What are sea buckthorn berries used for?
Edible sea buckthorn berries are a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants and are used to make juices, jams, syrups, and sauces. The oil from the berries is also used in supplements and cosmetic products for skin health.
What is the main difference between sea buckthorn and common buckthorn?
Sea buckthorn has bright orange berries, long silvery-green leaves, and is a non-invasive plant valued for its nutritional fruit. Common buckthorn has dark purple-black berries, rounded green leaves, and is an invasive species with toxic berries.
How can I identify common buckthorn?
Common buckthorn has oval, glossy leaves with curved veins and sharp, spine-tipped branches. It often has an orange inner bark and its berries are dark purple-black when ripe.
Are the berries of glossy buckthorn also toxic?
Yes, the berries of glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), which ripen from green to red and finally to purple-black, also have laxative properties and are considered toxic.
How can I safely harvest sea buckthorn berries?
To safely harvest sea buckthorn, wear thick gloves to protect against thorns. A popular method is to cut berry-laden branches in the autumn and freeze them, which makes it much easier to shake off the berries. Practice regenerative cutting to ensure the plant's health.
