Buckthorn Removal – Banishing Buckthorn

Buckthorn is an invasive plant threatening the balance of Minnesota’s ecosystem. There are two types of invasive buckthorn: common buckthorn and glossy buckthorn. Classified by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture as a noxious weed, it is illegal to sell, transport, or move buckthorn. The good news is there are many things you can do to banish buckthorn and reclaim your landscape. Learn how Tree Trust works to remove buckthorn and follow along to discover how you can identify and remove this pesky shrub from your property.

The Buckthorn Invasion

Common and glossy buckthorn arrived in Minnesota from Europe in the mid-1800s to early 1900s. Popular as a hedging material, they quickly became a nuisance to many of Minnesota’s native plants. When a non-native species is introduced to a new environment and causes ecological harm it is considered an invasive species. Buckthorn thrives in full sun to full shade in many different soil conditions. It is often the first plant to leaf out in the spring and the last to drop its leaves in the fall, allowing it more time to photosynthesize energy than many surrounding plants. This extra energy boost gives buckthorn a competitive edge. Its quick growth disrupts the natural balance of local plants, causing erosion, destroying animal habitats, and much more.

The Battle of the Buckthorn – Buckthorn Removal

Learning how to identify and remove buckthorn is an important part of our Career Pathways curriculum. Tree Trust Youthbuild and Branches participants are working hard right now to remove buckthorn growing along the Minneapolis Midtown Greenway. Geared-up for safety, young people use large pruners to cut the plant down to the base. This work prepares the space for mowing, preventing further growth and spreading of the plant. Join in to help remove this invasive shrub from your yards. Take the first step and arm yourself with knowledge.

Buckthorn Identification

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica)

• 10-25 feet tall
• Buckthorn leaves are oval form
• Grows in full sun and shade
• Dark green leaves with sharp edges (easily confused with dogwood, plums, and cherries)
• Produces small, chartreuse-colored flowers in early May
• Buckthorn seeds are contained in small, berry-shaped fruit that is black when ripe

Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)

• 10-18 feet tall
• Buckthorn leaves are oval form
• Grows in full sun and shade, preferring wet areas like bogs and riverbanks. It will also grow in dry areas
• Glossy, dark green leaves with smooth edges (easily confused with chokecherry)
• Produces small, milky-green colored flowers in late May-June
• Buckthorn seeds are contained in small, berry-shaped fruit that is black when ripe

Buckthorn Removal from Private Property

If you have identified buckthorn, it’s time to remove it from your yard. Before you get started, call Gopher State One Call at 651-454-002 to identify the location of buried utilities. Next, gear up with thick gloves and heavy clothing to prevent irritation from thorny branches. Use a pruner or pole saw to cut buckthorn down to the base of the plant. Cover the stump with a tin can or Buckthorn baggie to prevent regrowth. Handle all cut material with care to ensure no seeds are left to germinate, following these important guidelines. For larger plants that cannot easily be cut by hand, please seek the advice of a landscape professional. There is a wide range of common treatments to control the spread of buckthorn on your property. For even more information about buckthorn, please download this complete guide compiled by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Tree Trust offers numerous trees and woody shrubs available for purchase, ideally suited to the conditions of our Minnesota climate. Seeking a plant, tree, or shrub that lives in harmony with our natural ecosystem will create beauty, grow shade, provide wildlife habitat, and so much more.