Willow-leaved Sea Buckthorn
Hippophae salicifolia

Family: Elaeagnaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree. It grows to about 10 m high. The trunk is 30 cm across. The branches are drooping. The bark is reddish brown. It has deep furrows along it. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are oblong or sword shaped with hairs above. The leaves are silvery-grey underneath. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are oval and yellow. They have scales. They are acidic.

There are about 8 Hippophae species. Fruit are very rich in Vitamin C.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. In Nepal they grow at 2200-3500 m altitude. In the Indian Himalayas it grows between 3,300-4,000 m above sea level. They grow on riverbanks. It suits hardiness zones 8-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, Britain, China, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pakistan, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Tibet

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten fresh or pickled. They are acid so are often used for jellies and syrups. They can be used for jams and wines. The dried leaves are used for tea.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seeds should be soaked in water for 2 days before planting. It can also be grown from cuttings. Cuttings are slower to establish than seeds.

It is fast growing. In China plants flower in June and fruit in October.

Its other names

Local names

Chhuchha, Chuma, Dale-chuk, Finchi, Nibha, Padang, Sarla, Star-bu, Tarbu, Tarbu namtar, Tircu

Synonyms

Elaeagnus salicifolia (D.Don) A. Nelson; Hippophae conferta Wall.; Hippophae rhamnoides subsp. salicifolia (D. Don) Servett;