Common, or European, buckthorn, and glossy buckthorn are the two non-native, invasive buckthorn species found in Minnesota. These buckthorn species were first brought here from Europe as a popular hedging material. They became a nuisance plant, forming dense thickets in forests, yards, parks and roadsides.

Rhamnus cathartica, the European buckthorn, [3] common buckthorn, purging buckthorn, or just buckthorn, is a species of small tree in the flowering plant family Rhamnaceae. It is native to Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia, from the central British Isles south to Morocco, and east to Kyrgyzstan. [4] .

Apr 15, 2020 · Common (Rhamnus cathartica) and glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus syn. Rhamnus frangula) are two small trees introduced from Europe and East Asia, respectively. Their showy fruit display and hardy foliage made them popular ornamentals and now highly competitive invaders of eastern woods and wetlands.

Common buckthorn is a tall, understory shrub brought to North America in the early 1800s as an ornamental shrub, primarily to serve as a hedgerow. But this woody plant escaped from yards and landscaped areas long ago, spreading rapidly in forests, oak savannas and other natural areas.

Buckthorn leafs out early and retains its leaves late into the fall, creating dense shade that helps it to out-compete many native plants. Common, or European, buckthorn, and glossy buckthorn are the two non-native, invasive buckthorn species found in Minnesota.

Apr 5, 2023 · Buckthorn is an adaptable shrub, but it grows best in full sun or partial shade. Buckthorn prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it tolerates a variety of soil types and environments, including dry foundation planting areas and planting spots that …

Feb 4, 2022 · Distinguishing between non-native and native buckthorn is important so that management efforts can be targeted appropriately. This article desribes and separates the two invasive buckthorns from native alderleaf buckthorn.

Sep 22, 2023 · Buckthorns are a group of popular shrubs and small trees known for their vibrant foliage, thorny branches, yellow-green or whitish-green flowers, and black berry-like drupes. The ornamental shrubs are found throughout North America.

Common buckthorn is a Restricted noxious weed. It is illegal to import, sell or transport buckthorn in Minnesota. Common buckthorn is found in oak forests, savannas, prairies and riparian woods. It completely eliminates plant diversity in the understory over time. It thrives on well-drained soils.

Fruits & seeds: Abundant clusters of round, black, pea-sized fruit. Ripen on female plants in late summer. Birds and mammals disperse them. Fruits remain on plants into winter after all the leaves have fallen. Roots: Extensive, black fibrous root system. Similar species: Glossy buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula; invasive) is identical to common ...