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Buckthorn Solutions
History of Buckthorn
Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) and Glossy
Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) were introduced to Minnesota in the
1880's as
an ornamental shrub. Its native origins are to Eurasia. Both species are
extremely adaptable to our Minnesota climate. Today, Common and Glossy
Buckthorn is found throughout much of Minnesota. These plants are invading
wetlands, woodlands, prairies, river valleys, agricultural lands and your
neighborhood.
Why is Buckthorn so invasive?
4They have a
growing season 58 days longer that our native plant species.
4Their seeds
can lay dormant in the soil for six years.
4Their seeds
and fruit contain aleopathic chemicals that inhibit native vegetation
growing nearby.
4Their seeds
can germinate in full sun or shady locations.
4Buckthorn
seeds can float on water for a week and remain viable.
4They have no
natural predators.
4Buckthorn
re-sprouts vigorously after basal pruning.
Reasons to remove buckthorn:
Buckthorn kills native plants! Native plants cannot naturally compete with
Buckthorn. Both Buckthorns are found in many forest understories,
wetlands, prairies and river valleys. Native plants are our
songbirds
natural food source. When Buckthorn is all that remains, the birds eat the
Buckthorn berries.
Buckthorn kills songbirds! When native plants disappear from an area where
Buckthorn is dense, birds eat the berries of Buckthorn. However, the fruit
of Buckthorn causes a severe, laxative reaction in the birds. Hence the
name Rhamnus cathartic. If Buckthorn berries are the only
source of berries in an area, the birds will eat the berries
& excrete repeatedly until they become dehydrated and weak.
Buckthorn Fact Sheet ( photos
& management info):
http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/rhca1.htm
Replace Buckthorn with native plants.
These are excellent plants for sites that have light to partial shade. Add
beauty, diversity, and natural food sources for songbirds to your woodland
area.
Shrubs, small to medium size
Scientific Name / Common Name
Aronia melanocarpa / Glossy Black Chokeberry
Diervilla lonicera / Bush Honeysuckle
Ribes americanum / Black Currant
Ribes cynosbati / Pasture Gooseberry
Ribes missouriensis / Missouri Gooseberry
Rubus occidentalis / Black Raspberry
Rubus parviflorus / Thimbleberry
Symphoricarpos alba / White Snowberry
Shrubs, medium to large size
Scientific Name / Common Name
Amelanchier alnifolia / Saskatoon Serviceberry
Cephalanthus occidentalis / Buttonbush
Cornus racemosa / Gray Dogwood
Corylus americana / American Hazelnut
Corylus cornuta / Beaked Filbert
Hamamelis virginianav / Witch Hazel
Sambucus canadensis / Elderberry
Sambucus pubens / Red-berried Elder
Staphylea triflorata / American Bladdernut
Viburnum lentago / Nannyberry
Viburnum trilobum / American High Bush Cranberry
Trees
Scientific Name / Common Name
Acer spicatum / Mountain Maple
Alnus rugosa / Speckled Alder
Amlelanchier arborea / Downy Serviceberry
Amelanchier laevis / Allegheny Serviceberry
Carpinus caroliniana / American Hornbeam/Blue Beech
Cornus alternifolia / Pagoda Dogwood
Euonymus atropurpurea / Eastern Wahoo
Prunus virginiana / Common Chokecherry
Thuja occidentalis / Eastern White Cedar
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