shrub

Sea buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) — a shrub, for Full sun, Low water. Companions: Russian olive.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermoderate to low

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium to high
Shadelight to medium
Pollinator_servicesattracts various pollinators

Companions

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceBud break and leaf emergence typically occur after the last spring frost and when air temperatures consistently rise above 5°C.
floweringFlowering usually follows leaf emergence by about two weeks, occurring in early spring.
fruitingFruits develop over the summer, maturing from late summer to early autumn.
harvestHarvest typically occurs in September and October when berries are fully ripe.
senescenceLeaves begin to senesce and drop with the first autumn frosts and shortening day lengths.
dormancyThe plant enters full dormancy shortly after leaf drop, lasting through winter.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained to moist
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatespotassium, calcium, nitrogen, magnesium
Soil texturesandy, loamy, clay
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, suckers
Difficulty3 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 2-3 months
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractspollinators, birds