1. What is Buckthorn?
Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)
Glossy Buckthorn ([Rhamnus]Frangula alnus) and cultivars:
            "Columnaris = Tallhedge Glossy Buckthorn
             Asplenifolia' = Fernleaf Buckthorn

Buckthorns are European native shrubs that were brought to this country and commonly planted as hedges. They were popular hedge plants; however, birds carried the seeds from landscape plants to naturalized park areas and native plant habitats. In many ecosystems, there is little left of the native plants, because Buckthorn out-competes the native plants due to its extended growing season and enormous root system. A major reason it is a problem is that is has no natural predators on our continent and it will grow in many habitats. For some time, people thought that only Common Buckthorn was a problem, but Glossy Buckthorn (including the cultivars called Columnar or Tallhedge and Fern-Leaf) will also produce seeds and can be invasive- particularly in more moist habitats.

2. Why is it a problem?
Buckthorn is out-competing native plants (and other imported plants), changing many areas from a mixed plant population to only Buckthorn. The profuse seeds are not nutritious for birds and other wildlife, and in fact are strong cathartics. One of the common spots to observe Buckthorn growing is to look for the areas below where songbirds perch (fences, gutters, beneath trees, etc.) : the area will be full of seeds and young plants. In fact, an observational study noted that Buckthorn seeds are eliminated by birds within 1/3 mile of where they are eaten. The seeds move very quickly through the digestive system.

Buckthorn leaves and roots also emit a substance that is poisonous to the roots of other plants. Black Walnuts and sunflowers also have this allelopathic feature -severely reducing the plant population growing beneath them.

While it is hard enough to deal with Buckthorn on our own properties, it is an even more severe problem in woodland and wetlands. There the Buckthorn is choking out many plants that support songbirds and other creatures. One clue to its invasiveness: Common Buckthorn has not been in commerce since 1930, yet look at how much of it there is around!

3. What can we do?
Getting rid of Buckthorn is both easy and difficult. It is easy because Buckthorn is easy to identify, and in its seedling to one-year-old plant stage, easy to pull up by the roots in moist soils. However, the root system of larger plants must be removed completely or it can re-sprout for many years. Buckthorn holds its green leaves late into the fall, making that an ideal time to identify and remove it.

If you have a large infestation of Buckthorn on your property, consider removal a long term effort. It may involve a 5 year commitment on your part. If you work diligently, each year the amount of Buckthorn will be reduced. The first two years are when you will have the most work. If you have Buckthorn that measures 2.5" in diameter or less, you can rent or purchase a special tool called a Weed wrench that will help you pull the plants out of the ground. It is best to use this tool when soils are moist. Check with your city or county to see if they have Weed Wrenches to lend.

Communities are organizing to help citizens remove Buckthorn: the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, St. Paul Parks and Recreation, the City of Edina and the Minnesota DNR all have Buckthorn information programs. In fact, a Buckthorn Removal Weekend is a great way to get to know your neighbors, hold a potluck, and work with many people. Check with your city or neighborhood to see if an effort to remove private property Buckthorn is offered, or hauling away the removed plants.

Check out the St. Anthony Park Garden Club's web site at www.justaddwater.ws and click on "Buckthorn Busters." There is a tremendous amount of information on how to organize to remove Buckthorn from private lands. There is also a link to the Buckthorn Bust guide for communities. This garden club began a Buckthorn private property removal effort in the year 2000 in their community. They have committed to cosponsor an annual removal effort for ten years to assist their neighborhood. See what your garden club or service organizations can bring to the table to help in your community efforts.

4. What can we use instead of Buckthorn?
For clipped hedges, Yew, Alpine Currant, Boxwood, Cotoneaster, or Ninebark work very well. For less formal hedges, there are many excellent substitutes: Arborvitae, Shrub Roses, Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla), Chokeberry, Dogwood, Hazelnut, Dwarf Lilacs, Mockorange, Potentilla, Serviceberry, Snowberry, Spirea, and several Viburnums. Many of these shrubs have seeds or fruit that will benefit songbirds and other wildlife, in addition to looking beautiful.

5. Are there good information sources?
If you need more information, contact any of the following:
If you live in Minneapolis:
Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to:
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Buckthorn BeGone
3800 Bryant Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55409

The Buckthorn BeGone information sheet will be sent to you that provides detailed information on how to control buckthorn on your property

In Edina, check with the League of Women Voters and the Edina Garden Council. In other communities, check with your city, town or county offices to see what is happening with buckthorn in your community. Master Gardeners in many counties are available to assist communities with buckthorn education efforts and surveys.

If you want to organize a removal effort in your community, check out the St. Anthony Park's Garden Club web site at www.justaddwater.ws

You can also contact the Master Gardeners at Olmsted County who have available for sale educational displays on buckthorn, plus signs, t-shirts and buttons.
MN Extension Service
Olmsted County
1421 Third Ave. SE
Rochester MN 55904-7947

It is important that private property owners and public agencies work together to help rid our environment of this particularly nasty woody plant. Such a partnership can reap major rewards and insure that our native woodlands and wetlands survive for future generations to enjoy.