During the winter months, you might walk right past a Glossy Buckthorn without even noticing its buds. But once spring rolls around, these little guys really start to show off. If you’re curious about how these buds develop and what to look for, here’s the scoop on everything you need to know.
How the Buds Look in Winter
In the dead of winter, Glossy Buckthorn buds are pretty tiny. However, if you know what you’re looking for, you can spot them fairly easily on the branches or within a Glossy Buckthorn hedge. These little buds are egg-shaped and usually sport a brown or grayish hue. One unique thing about them? They don’t have scales. Instead, they’re covered in fine, fuzzy hairs.
Quick ID Guide:
- Winter Shape: Oval/Egg-shaped
- Size: About 5 to 6 millimeters
- Color: Brown with cinnamon-colored fuzz
That distinct color and hairy texture make them a great way to identify the plant during the off-season. You’ll find the buds growing in an alternating pattern along the stems. As spring approaches, they’ll start to swell and unfold, making them even easier to identify.
From Bud to Bloom
As the weather warms up, a Glossy Buckthorn planted in the right spot will really start to move. The leaves inside the bud begin to unfurl, and the bud can reach a size of up to seven centimeters as it opens up. If you take a close look during this stage, you can actually see a hint of the color that the flowers will eventually become.
The Blooming Phase:
- Flower Color: Green or greenish-white
- Start Date: May
- Bloom Window: May through late summer
The Glossy Buckthorn flowers are a subtle green or greenish-white, and they are absolutely packed with nectar. This makes the tree a massive hit with local pollinators. If you add one of these to your garden, you’re doing a huge favor for your local bee population by providing a reliable food source. The best part? They start blooming in May and can sometimes keep going all the way into August, so you get to enjoy that greenery for a long time!