Glossy Buckthorn
Frangula alnus |
Other common names:
Alder Buckthorn, Buckthorn
Family:
Buckthorn Family (Rhamnaceae)
Group:
Buckthorns
Distinctive features:
Shrub; Glossy leaves.
Similar species:
•
Alder-leaved Buckthorn (Rhamnus alnifolia) - grows in very wet areas. Leaves not glossy.
•
Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) - grows in drier areas. Leaves not glossy.
•
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) - has reddish or greenish bark.
•
Silky Dogwood (Cornus obliqua) - has striped bark.
Flowers:
Spring; Green/Brown; 4 parts (petals); Small, hang down singly in sparse clusters, white to greenish-white.
Leaves:
Opposite/Whorled, Alternate, Simple, Entire; Round, thin, resemble those of Round-leaved Dogwood (Cornus rugosa). Usually alternate, sometimes opposite.
Height:
Up to 6 m (20 ft)
Trunk:
StraightDark, spotted.
Fruit/Seeds:
A black berry. Not edible.
Habitat:
Wet Areas; Open wet woods. Not common or widespread (yet).
Books:
Trees in Canada: 278
Shrubs of Ontario: 311
Native/Non-native:
Non-native
Status:
Common, invasive.
Notes:
Glossy 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. The wood is fairly brittle, so it is easy to break up even a large one. However, please be sure that you're pulling up the right plant, as it can resemble native Dogwoods.
Photographs:
56 photographs available, of which 13 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.
Range Map is at the bottom of the page
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