Sea Buckthorn
What: Hippophae rhamnoides is a striking large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree prized for its brilliant silver-green foliage and spectacular clusters of bright orange edible berries in fall and winter. This exceptionally hardy plant thrives in dry, alkaline prairie soils.
Best use: Sea Buckthorn excels as a color contrast specimen, screening plant, or windbreak in the landscape. Its fine silver foliage provides outstanding visual interest all season, while its nutritious orange berries create dramatic winter appeal. Perfect for difficult sites with poor soils, urban pollution, or road salt exposure.
Plant Details
| Height | 15–25 feet (often smaller in prairie conditions) |
| Spread | 15–25 feet |
| Hardiness Zone | 3 |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Dry to average; drought tolerant |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Maintenance | Occasional; best pruned in late winter |
| Uses | Accent, mass planting, hedges/screening, windbreaks |
| Soil Preference | Prefers clay, alkaline soils; highly adaptable |
| Fruit | Bright orange berries from mid-fall through winter (female plants only) |
| Foliage | Silvery-green narrow leaves, emerging silver in spring |
