Why Is the Alder Buckthorn Endangered?
A number of plant species use the common name Alder, or Alderleaf Buckthorn according to the website plants.usda.gov. All are within the genus Rhamnus L., known familiarly as the Buckthorn family. Does this Spark an idea?
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Endangered Species
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The plant commonly known as the alder buckthorn in Illinois and the alderleaf buckthorn in Tennessee, scientific name Rhamnus alnifolia, is listed as endangered in both states. The plant is native to wetlands, and the principle reason behind its endangered listing is loss of habitat.
Buckthorn Across the Nation
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Alder Buckthorn has a normal range that includes the northern two tiers of the United States and California as well as most of Canada. The plant is considered a noxious weed in Iowa, where eradication is required. Across the rest of the plant's range it does not bear the classification as either endangered or a nuisance.
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Uses for Alder Buckthorn
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The plant has no commercial uses, although it is palatable to browsing and grazing livestock. Humans do not find it palatable.
Other Buckthorn Plants
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European Buckthorn has been used as a herbal laxative since the middle ages.
Identifying Alder Buckthorn
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Alder Buckthorn is a perennial shrub usually growing to about two feet tall. It has leaves that alternate on the stem and bears small black fruit.
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