The Uphill Battle Against Buckthorn
A Brief History of Buckthorn
Common buckthorn was commonly planted for years as a hedge or windbreak. The growth form is a multi-stemmed, medium sized tree. Female trees produce large quantities of fruit contributing to the rapid spread of buckthorn. Glossy buckthorn, or columnar buckthorn, has also been planted for years. Glossy buckthorn produces fruits continuously for several months, a common trait of invasive plants. Common buckthorn is generally associated with terrestrial plant communities, while glossy buckthorn is associated with wetland communities. However, they are readily seen invading uplands and lowlands together.
What’s Wrong with Buckthorn?
Common buckthorn was added to the “Restricted Noxious Weed List” in 1999 and can no longer be sold. Glossy buckthorn was added to the list in 2001. There are several attributes of buckthorn that put it on the top of the invasive plant list.
Out competes native plants for light, space and nutrients
Buckthorn fruit is readily spread by birds
Seeds may persist in the soil for up to 6 years before germinating
Leafs out early in spring and stays green in fall longer than other trees and shrubs
Its thorns are dangerous and can injure persons in woodlands, parks and other areas
Has chemicals in its roots, leaves and fruit that inhibit the growth of other plants
Are vigorous trees that are difficult to kill even with herbicides
Creates a monoculture as it invades an area decreasing diversity of plant communities
Buckthorn starting to take hold in a small woodland. Fall is an easy time to visually assess buckthorn in wooded areas because everything that is green is most likely buckthorn.
