Sea buckthorn – lots of vitamin C

In autumn, the bright red-orange berries of sea buckthorn shine conspicuously on the shrubs. Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) attracts attention primarily due to its high vitamin C content. This is because the anti-cold vitamin is present in sea buckthorn berries in amounts many times higher than in citrus fruits. Often referred to as the “lemon of the North,” sea buckthorn is a powerful, natural helper for protecting our immune system during cold season and allergy season.

Where does sea buckthorn grow?

The thorny sea buckthorn shrub belongs to the oleaster family and can reach a height of 1.5 to 4.5 meters. In September and October, its widely branched branches produce characteristic oval, red-orange false berries. A striking feature of the sea buckthorn plant is its highly branched root system, which can reach up to three meters into the ground. For this reason, sea buckthorn is also frequently used to prevent erosion on steep slopes. Originally native to Nepal, sea buckthorn spread through Siberia and China to Central and Northern Europe. The plant prefers sandy soils, is salt-tolerant, and is wind-resistant. This is also why sea buckthorn is frequently found on the coastal dunes of the North and Baltic Seas. It is therefore not surprising that sea buckthorn is also known as “sea berry.”