What Is Common Buckthorn?
Originating in Eurasia, Common Buckthorn came to North America in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant where it developed into an invasive species. The small, shrubby tree is also known as European Buckthorn, European Waythorn or Hart's Thorn. Does this Spark an idea?
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Classification
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The Buckthorn family has simple leaves. According to the Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group, Common Buckthorn or Rhamnus cathartica, is in the Rhamnaceae family.
Origin
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Common Buckthorn was planted as a hedge. First brought to North America for decorative and hedging uses, the Common Buckthorn spread from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewanin Canada and from the south in Missouri to New England in the eastern United States.
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Habitat
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Common Buckthorn grows best in forests. A hardy plant, the Common Buckthorn grows in many soils and environments, including prairies and fields, although it thrives in lightly shaded areas of woods.
Characteristics
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Common Buckthorn grows black berries. Common Buckthorn is identified by its size, usually a little over 20 feet high, and shrub shape, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The shrub is also distinguished by its teethed, ovate or elliptic leaves and small black fruits or in winter by its exposed terminal buds on curved twigs that sometimes end with thorns.
Invasive Species
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Common Buckthorn is an ecological threat. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the uncontrolled growth of Common Buckthorn takes resources from native plant species, contributes to erosion and acts as a host for pests.
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References
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