Common Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica |
Other common names:
Buckthorn, European Buckthorn
French names:
Nerprun cathartique
Family:
Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae)
Group:
Buckthorns
Distinctive features:
Shrub; Roundish, deeply veined leaves. Thorns at end of stems.
Similar species:
•
Alder-leaved Buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) - grows in very wet areas.
•
Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) - grows in wet areas, but not as wet.
•
Alternate-leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Flowers:
Summer; Greenish-yellow.
Leaves:
Opposite/Whorled, Alternate, Simple, Toothed; Usually opposite, sometimes alternate.
Trunk:
Usually crooked. Has patches that resemble a dark yellow birch, in that the bark peels off laterally.
Fruit/Seeds:
Black berries. Not edible.
Habitat:
Fields and Open Areas; Open woods. Scattered throughout southern Ontario.
Books:
Trees in Canada: 278, 278
Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 168
Native/Non-native:
Non-native
Status:
Common, invasive.
Notes:
Common Buckthorn is a very invasive alien plant, originally from Europe. It can grow up to about 20 feet tall. Please help to slow the spread of this plant by pulling it up whenever you see it. However, please be sure that you're pulling up the right plant, as it can resemble native Dogwoods. The thorns are wicked - watch out for them!
Photographs:
95 photographs available, of which 17 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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