If you’ve ever walked through a wooded area and noticed a dense thicket of glossy, green leaves that hang on a lot longer than other species – you’re noticing the infamous common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) or glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus). Though they may look harmless, these aggressive shrubs are one of the biggest threats to healthy native ecosystems in Minnesota.
What’s the problem with Buckthorn?
Buckthorn was originally brought to the United States to be an ornamental hedgerow plant because of its ability to grow densely together, but it quickly became a problem. It spreads fast, shading out native plants and creating dense, impenetrable stands that prevent almost anything else from growing beneath it. Buckthorn is easily spread by birds who eat the berries (the berries also act as a laxative, which is unhealthy for bird species) and then deposit them elsewhere, furthering the spread. Not only does it grow aggressively, it alters the soil chemistry, increasing nitrogen levels and creating soil conditions that favor buckthorn and suppresses native plants.
How to Remove Buckthorn
Fall or winter is one of the best times to act against buckthorn. Buckthorn is dioecious, meaning male and female plants exist separately. The females will show their fruit in the fall (a small, round, dark blue berry) and these should be your first focus. Removing the females will remove the seed supply, helping slow down the spread.
For smaller infestations:
For larger shrubs or trees:
Cut material can either be burned on site or disposed of at an approved disposal site.
Large infestations of buckthorn can be extremely daunting to tackle. To completely remove buckthorn, it is not unlikely that it takes many years of repeated pulling, cutting and herbicide use. Prairie Restorations has the knowledge and expertise to help you efficiently manage this invasive species while mitigating environmental damage and conserving remnant native species. Contact us to help you safely and efficiently eradicate buckthorn from your property.
Planting What Belongs
Once buckthorn is gone, it’s not unusual to see a barren understory of your forest. The best way to keep buckthorn from coming back is to fill that space with native plants. Replanting stabilizes the soil, restores habitat, and gives wildlife the native food sources they need.
That’s where Presto can help. By answering a few simple questions about your site – sunlight, soil, and moisture – Presto recommends native species that historically belong in your area and thrive in your conditions. From woodland shrubs like pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) and chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) to shade-tolerant groundcovers like pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) or wild geranium (Geranium maculatum), Presto can point you towards the right plants to rebuild your ecosystem.
The Effort is Worth it
Removing buckthorn isn’t a one-time project – it’s an ongoing effort that pays off over time. Every shrub you remove opens up space for native diversity to return, and every native plant you replace it with strengthens the resilience of your landscape.
This fall, grab your gloves, your chainsaw, and your desire to do right by nature. Your woods (and the wildlife that depends on them) will thank you.