Fine Line Buckthorn (Frangula alnus 'Ron Williams'): Non-Invasive Columnar Shrub

Fine Line buckthorn, cultivar 'Ron Williams', is a narrow, columnar selection of glossy buckthorn bred for its fine, fern-like foliage and non-invasive habit, making it a safe alternative for landscapes.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This deciduous shrub grows 5–7 feet tall but only 2–3 feet wide, with a tight, columnar form. Leaves are deeply cut, lacy, and glossy green, turning yellow in fall. Inconspicuous flowers are followed by black berries. Crucially, this cultivar produces few viable seeds, reducing invasive potential.

Cultivation and Uses

'Ron Williams' prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is ideal for narrow spaces, hedges, screens, and containers. Low maintenance.

Important

The species Frangula alnus is invasive in many areas; plant only sterile cultivars like this one.