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Invasive Species: Common Buckthorn

Invasive Species: Common Buckthorn

Common Buckthorn

(Rhamnus cathartica)

*Established in Michigan*

IDENTIFICATION

  • Deciduous small tree or shrub – can reach 25 feet tall.
  • Leaves are dark- green, oval and slightly toothed.
  • In spring, small, yellow-green, four-petaled flowers grow in clusters of two to six at the base of leaves.
  • Small, purple to black fruits ripen in the fall.
  • Twigs often have a single, sharp thorn at their tip.
  • Distinctive orange inner bark.

REPORT THIS SPECIES

Use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool.

- Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone.

 

Common buckthorn branch with green leaves and dark purple fruit.

Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

Common buckthorn twigs up close, showing a sharp thorn.

Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

The silvery bark of common buckthorn is covered with small bumps.

Photo courtesy of Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org.

SPECIES INFORMATION

Habitat: Common buckthorn can be found in disturbed and undisturbed areas including roadsides, pastures, old fields and woodlots. 

Native Range: Europe and Asia.

U. S. Distribution:  East Coast and Midwest, also in limited areas of California and Oregon.

Local Concern: This invasive plant spreads quickly through seeds distributed by birds and wildlife and crowds out native shrubs and understory plants. It is a host for alfalfa mosaic virus and crown fungus, and may be a possible host for the soybean aphid.

MORE INFORMATION