Tallhedge buckthorn is a deciduous, columnar shrub that typically grows in a narrow fastigiate shape to 12 to 15 feet tall and only 4 feet wide. Stems and branches are erect, close together and sometimes twining. Glossy, oval, dark green leaves retain their color well into fall, usually resulting in poor fall color. Small, whitish-green flowers appear in clusters in May thru June, and though not showy are none-the-less attractive to bees. Flowers are followed by berries that begin green but that ripen to purple in July, and while inedible to us are loved by birds. Bark is a deep brown to reddish-purple and is quite attractive in winter, especially when wet. An excellent hedge.
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Adapts to a variety of soils and pH. Plants may self-seed, but new seedlings are not always true. Plant 24 to 30 inches apart for a hedge that may be pruned to desired height.