permaculture

[Jude Hobbs <hobbsj@efn.org>]

Hello Antonio,
Have you heard of Hippophae rhamnoides- Sea Buckthorn?

Here is some of what Plants for a Future says: 
(http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/index.html)

Physical Characteristics

A decidious shrub growing to 6m by 2.5m at a medium rate. It is hardy 
to zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in April, and the 
seeds ripen from September to October. The flowers are dioecious 
(individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to 
be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown 
if seed is required) and are pollinated by Wind. The plant not is 
self-fertile. It can fix Nitrogen. We rate it 5 out of 5 for 
usefulness.  Very thorny branches.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils 
and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. The plant prefers acid, 
neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It 
requires dry moist or wet soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can 
tolerate maritime exposure.

Sea buckthorn has an extensive root system and suckers vigorously and 
so has been used in soil conservation schemes, especially on sandy 
soils. The fibrous and suckering root system acts to bind the sand[186, 
244].

Because the plant grows quickly, even in very exposed conditions, and 
also adds nitrogen to the soil, it can be used as a pioneer species to 
help the re-establishment of woodland in difficult areas. Because the 
plant is very light-demanding it will eventually be out-competed by the 
woodland trees and so will not out-stay its welcome[K].


This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, 
these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. 
Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can 
also be used by other plants growing nearby[113, 186, 200]. Plants 
produce abundant suckers, especially when grown on sandy soils[186

Edible Uses
Fruit.

Fruit - raw or cooked. Very rich in vitamin C (120mg per 100g)[74] and 
vitamin A[183], they are too acid when raw for most peoples tastes[11, 
158], though most children seem to relish them[K]. Used for making 
fruit juice, it is high in vitamins and has an attractive aroma[141]. 
It is being increasingly used in making fruit juices, especially when 
mixed with other fruits, because of its reputed health benefits[214]. 
Medicinal Uses
Wood - tough, hard, very durable, fine-grained. Used for fine 
carpentry, turning etc[46, 61, 74]. The wood is also used for fuel and 
charcoal[146].

Disclaimer
Astringent; Cancer; Cardiac; Poultice; Tonic; Vermifuge.
The twigs and leaves contain 4 - 5% tannin[240]. They are astringent 
and vermifuge[7, 100].








Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a sunny position in a cold frame[78]. Germination 
is usually quick and good although 3 months cold stratification may 
improve the germination rate. Alternatively the seed can be sown in a 
cold frame as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Prick out the seedlings 
into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on 
in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring into 
their permanent positions. Male seedlings, in spring, have very 
prominent axillary buds whilst females are clear and smooth at this 
time[78].

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, June/July in a frame[200]. Difficult[113]. 
This is the easiest method of vegetative propagation[214].

Cuttings of mature wood in autumn[200]. Difficult[113]. The cuttings 
should be taken at the end of autumn or very early in the spring before 
the buds burst. Store them in sand and peat until April, cut into 7 - 
9cm lengths and plant them in a plastic tent with bottom heat[214]. 
Rooting should take place within 2 months and they can be put in their 
permanent positions in the autumn[214].

Division of suckers in the winter. They can be planted out direct into 
their permanent positions and usually establish well and quickly[K].

Layering in autumn[200].


God Luck,
Jude


Agro-Ecology Northwest
Cascadia Landscape Design
1161 Lincoln Street
Eugene, Oregon 97401
541-342-1160
hobbsj@efn.org
www.cascadiapermaculture.com