Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) vs American Bladdernut

Hippophae rhamnoides l.

Staphylea trifolia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry)
American Bladdernut

Sea Buckthorn, aka Seaberry, is a nitrogen fixing shrub that produces attractive berries high in vitamin C.

While we can't confirm claims that the berries are effective in treating various ailments, many people believe consuming the berries helps with arthritis, infections, and asthma, among other things.

Sea Buckthorn plants have attractive pale silvery-green leaves, dense branches, and large thorns, people like to grow in ornamental hedges or as a first row in a shelterbelt.

Note: these plants typically reach maturity and make their sex easily known (females producing fruit) in their 3rd or 4th year of growth. Our seedlings are too young to identify their sex.

American Bladdernut is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to eastern North America. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. The small, drooping, white flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters. They appear in mid to late spring, attracting various pollinators. Well suited as an understory plant as it prefers shady and partial sun location with moist soils.

The blossoms mature into papery seed capsules and have been described as miniature Japanese lanterns. They are commonly used in dried flower arrangements. The seeds found within the pods are edible, and have a taste similar to pistachios. They can be eaten raw, used in baking or made into a sweet cooking oil.

Care should be taken when planting American Bladdernut, as it can spread quickly. It is prone to suckering and will self-seed. Plant the right tree in the right place.

Sea Buckthorn (Seaberry) Quick Facts

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Foliage: slender silvery-green leaves
Flowers: white
Berries: small, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no

In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)

Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Other Names: sallowthorn, sandthorn, seaberry