When was buckthorn introduced

Native To:. Europe and Western Asia Knight et al. Date of U. Early s, or possibly earlier Knight et al. Means of Introduction:.

Introduced as an ornamental Knight et al. Forms dense stands that dominate ecosystems and displace native species Mascaro et al. Current U. Corteva Agriscience. TechLine Invasive Plant News. University of Georgia. Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. Provides state, county, point and GIS data.

Maps can be downloaded and shared. Google Images - Common Buckthorn. YouTube; PBS. Alberta Invasive Species Council Canada. Ohio Invasive Plants Council. See also: Invasive Plants of Ohio for worst invasive plant species identified in Ohio's natural areas.

Global Invasive Species Database - Rhamnus cathartica tree. Species Survival Commission. Invasive Species Specialist Group. Invaders Factsheet: Common Buckthorn. Invasive Species Compendium - Rhamnus cathartica. CAB International. New York Invasive Species Clearinghouse.

Carolina buckthorn Phamnus caroliniana is usually shorter growing 10 to 15 feet tall and has 8 to 10 pairs of veins. The Alder buckthorn is even smaller, growing to 3 feet and has leaves with 6 to 7 pairs of veins. Original Distribution: The Common buckthorn is a native plant throughout Europe, temperate areas of Asia, and northern Africa.

Department of Agriculture reports that the Common buckthorn is found extensively in the continental United States. The Nature Conservancy also reports that the plant is also found extensively in Canada, from Novia Scotia to Saskatchewan.

Site and Date of Introduction: Most references searched on the web cite the introduction of the plant to be in the s. The only specific year reference is on Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources website which states that the plant was planted as hedgerows as early as Mode s of Introduction: The Common buckthorn was originally planted as an ornamental shrub and for wildlife habitat.

The plant has spread from its introduction as shrubs to other areas because birds and mice eat the fruit, which produces three to four seeds.

Additionally, the fruit creates a laxative effect making the plant easily spread by birds distributing its seeds. Reason s Why it has Become Established: The plant was introduced because of its hardiness as an ornamental plant. It is able to survive in a variety of soil and light conditions.

The plant can grow in sandy, loamy, or heavy soils, and can grow in very alkaline soil. It can grow in partial shade or areas with no shade.

Woodlands, savanannas, and prairies provide conditions for the plant to survive and thrive. The plant is dense and crowds out native plants and herbaceous plants. The density of plants occurs because there are a large number of fruits that are produced by a female.

Its broad leaves prevent sunlight from reaching low-lying plants. The plant has a long growing season with leaves growing early compared with other woodland plants and remain late into the fall with its fruit.

Seeds are hearty and are able to remain in soil for years even after a plant has been removed. Flowers have two to six small yellowish-to-green petals. Common buckthorn produces clusters of berry-like black fruit in late summer and fall.

Check the chart below to identify common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn and alder-leaved buckthorn. Common buckthorn Illustration by Andrea Kingsley Glossy buckthorn Illustration by Andrea Kingsley Alder-leaved buckthorn Illustration by Andrea Kingsley Species Common buckthorn Glossy buckthorn Alder-leaved buckthorn Traits Rhamnus cathartica invasive Grows in drier areas Often two to three metres tall; can reach six metres Twigs end in sharp thorn Usually opposite leaves with finely toothed edges Frangula alnus invasive Grows in wet areas Often two to three metres tall; can reach six metres No sharp thorn on end of twig Alternate, shiny leaves with smooth, wavy edges Rhamnus alnifolia native Grows in very wet areas Up to one metre tall No sharp thorn on end of twig Alternate, shiny leaves with toothed edges Small growths stipules at base of leaves What you can do Learn how to identify common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn and other invasive plants, and how to effectively manage these species on your property.

Avoid using invasive plants in gardens and landscaping. Buy native or non-invasive plants from reputable garden suppliers. Native plants provide habitat and food sources for native wildlife. Dispose of invasive plants in the garbage. Do not put them in the compost or discard them in natural areas. Discarded flowers may produce seeds. When hiking, prevent the spread of invasive plants by staying on trails and keeping pets on a leash.

Other resources: Invasive species centre Invasive species in Ontario Ontario invasive plants council Ontario's invading species awareness program For more information: Please contact the Invading Species Hotline at Rhamnus cathartica invasive Grows in drier areas Often two to three metres tall; can reach six metres Twigs end in sharp thorn Usually opposite leaves with finely toothed edges. Frangula alnus invasive Grows in wet areas Often two to three metres tall; can reach six metres No sharp thorn on end of twig Alternate, shiny leaves with smooth, wavy edges.

Rhamnus alnifolia native Grows in very wet areas Up to one metre tall No sharp thorn on end of twig Alternate, shiny leaves with toothed edges Small growths stipules at base of leaves.