Hippophae rhamnoides (Seaberry) is an edible fruit shrub that is native to the colder regions of Europe and Asia. Seaberry is a thorny plant that produces bright orange berries and has uses in traditional medicine, food and as animal fodder. Also suitable as a hedge, grown in pots or as a companion plant in garden beds to improve the soil quality. The fruit is harvested from Autumn through to Spring.
Suitable for Cold, Temperate and Sub-Tropical climates.
The Common Seaberry is native to the Baltic Coasts of Finland, Poland, Germany and Sweden and has an extremely wide temperature range of between -40°C to 40°C (-40°F to 104°F). It is also native to the colder regions of Asia such as through the Himalayas, northern India, China, Pakistan and Mongolia.
Also commonly known as Sallow Thorn and Sea Buckthorn.
Growth
Hippophae rhamnoides is a deciduous tree or shrub that reaches a height of around 6 metres (20 feet). The Common Seaberry typically grows as a shrub and is widely used as a hedge but can grow into a tree form if conditions are suitable. They adapt to most soils but prefer a mix that contains high nutrients with added compost. Though tolerant of extremely cold conditions, ideal temperatures for growth are between 10-20°C / 50-68°F.
The branches are thorny and the flowers are unremarkably yellow-green. Prior to their maturity age of 4-5 years, flowers are best picked off to allow the plant to concentrate on development. To produce berries, both a male and female plant is required. The sex of Seaberry seedlings can be identified once they begin to produce buds. Male seedlings, in spring, have very prominent axillary buds whilst females are clear and smooth at this period.
Fruit arrives during Autumn and will hang onto the branches until the end of winter or until the birds eat them. When grown in garden, Seaberry improves the ability of the soil to take up nitrogen. This allows other plants nearby to benefit.
FAMILY:
Elaeagnaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate and Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-40°C to 40°C / -40 to 104°F
SOIL TYPE:
Most soil types are ok.
LOCATION:
Full Sun
HEIGHT:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 3 metres (10 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by wind. Dioecious meaning they require both a male and female to produce berries.
MATURITY:
4-5 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-75%
GERMINATION TIME:
2-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 120
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes, Folklore.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES (Seaberry)
Seaberries have 7 times the vitamin C of lemons. The berries and the plants oil are included in traditional medicine recipes. Folklore medicine treats wounds, infections, dry eyes, reduces cholesterol, helps the immune system.
Seaberry is found in jellies, juices, alcoholic drinks, jams and ice cream. The berries and/or plant is also used in cosmetics, massage oils and soaps.
Firewood and charcoal is derived from the branches of mature trees.
It is said that the soldiers of Alexander the Greats added Sea Berry leaves to their hoses feed for health purposes and to add a shine to their coats.
There is over 250 000 mature fruit-producing plants among the Canadian prairies with an estimated annual fruit supply of 750 000 kg.
