Question: Forest edge, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Are these shrubs Frangula alnus? Are there any native plants with similar flowers coming out of …
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Question
Forest edge, Lincoln, Massachusetts. Are these shrubs Frangula alnus? Are there any native plants with similar flowers coming out of the base of the leaf stem?
Answer
Dear jfc, good morning. You have indeed photographed Frangula alnus (glossy-buckthorn). They are pretty distinctive, especially when flowering, and don't have any close look-alikes (in my opinion). While their leaves are sometimes confused with Swida (dogwood), the flowers have five petals and the leaves are alternate (vs. four petals and opposite leaves).
