Sea buckthorn and firethorn look very similar and are sometimes difficult to tell apart for the layperson. However, upon closer inspection, the bushes no longer resemble each other so much and can be identified without a doubt.
What is the difference between sea buckthorn and firethorn?
An important distinguishing feature are the flowers: theFirethorndevelopsdecorative,whiteflower panicles,thesea buckthorn small,yellowishflowers. The berries of the firethorn sit in large fruit clusters, those of the sea buckthorn directly on the branches. Sea buckthorn grows noticeably sparsely, while firethorn grows densely branched.
Which plant family do sea buckthorn and firethorn come from?
TheSea buckthorn(Hippophae rhamnoides) is one of the most important representatives of theoil willow family,of thefirethorn(Pyracantha) is aRoses (Rosaceae).
The frugal olive tree family thrives primarily on poor soils in steppes or semi-deserts as well as in nutrient-poor areas near the coast or lake.
The relationship of the firethorn to the rose, but also to pome fruits such as the apple, can be seen in the thorns and the shape of the flowers.
How do the leaves of sea buckthorn and firethorn differ?
- The foliage of theSea buckthornis similar to that of willows. It isnarrowand on theundersidesilver whitehairy.
- Theegg-shaped leavesof theFirethorn feel a bit rough. They have a finely curved edge and a slightly shiny surface.
In contrast to the sea buckthorn, which sheds its leaves without any autumn colors, the firethorn is evergreen and therefore offers good privacy protection even in winter.
Sea buckthorn or firethorn: what do the flowers look like?
TheFirethornis popular for itscreamy white,umbrella-like paniclesinflorescences, which grow from May to June are formed in large numbers and cultivated in many gardens. The five sepals are mostly green, the petals are white.
TheSea buckthorn, on the other hand, forms small, rather yellowish flowersat the base of the previous year's shoots in March. In contrast to the firethorn, these appear before the leaves emerge.
Is there a difference between the fruits of sea buckthorn and firethorn?
From August to December, thesea buckthornforms orange-colored,berry-like drupes on the branches of the female bushes,which are approximately one centimeter tall. There is only a single seed inside. The shield-shaped hairs make the fruit skin appear as if it has been spotted.
The fruits of theFirethornare, depending on the variety,yellow tobrightred,pea-sized fruits. These sit on large fruit clusters and remain on the bush well into the winter. They are extremely sour and can only be eaten after frost.
Do sea buckthorn and firethorn also differ in their location?
Both shrubsare veryrobustanddrought-tolerant. Sea buckthorn prefers calcareous sand and sand Gravel soils and, as a pioneer plant, likes to colonize gravel areas, dunes or sea coasts.
In contrast, the firethorn can be found primarily in gardens and parks. It is resistant to urban climates, absolutely drought-tolerant and even needs no additional watering in hot summers.
Tip
Firethorn and sea buckthorn both form edible fruits
The raw fruits of the firethorn are not poisonous, but are inedible due to their high acid content. However, you can make a tasty jam from them. Sea buckthorn is processed into jam, juice and extracts. The “lemon of the north” is very rich in vitamin C and has a pleasantly sour taste.
