Alder Buckthorn – 5/23/23

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/23/23

Observation Time: 7:35 a.m.

Observation Location: Moose Hill Audubon WIldlife Sanctuary (boardwalk)

Common Name: Alder Buckthorn

Scientific Name: Frangula alnus

Comments: Alder buckthorn, also known as glossy buckthorn, is a tall shrub. I saw a hummingbird moving from tiny blossom to tiny blossom. Otherwise I probably would not have noticed that it was in bloom. I also saw some bees and wasps feeding on the tiny blossoms.

Alder buckthorn does not have thorns. It was introduced in eastern North America from Asia about a century ago. It is now widespread and invasive. Birds eat the berries when they ripen in fall.

More Information: Wikipedia