Buckthorn

(Rhamnus spp.)

Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)

 

Common or European Buckthorn:  (pp. 508-509 in Weeds of the Great Plains)

·         Large shrub or small tree with shiny, oval leaves, shiny brownish bark with horizontal lenticels (lines)

·         Leaves have veins that tend to parallel or curve along with the outer margins of the leaves

·         Is dioecious, with separate male and female plants; has tiny flowers; fruit is a green, turning to reddish purple  to black drupe, eaten & spread by birds

·         Was originally planted for wildlife habitat, shelterbelts, but now invades pastures, open woodlands, replacing native species

·         Is also an alternate host for oat crown rust

·         Is a noxious weed in several Midwest and northern states

·         Glossy buckthorn:  grown as an ornamental, has same invasive characteristics and is also listed as a noxious weed in a number of northern states