European and Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica and Rhamnus frangula) are invasive species that pose significant threats to native ecosystems all over the Midwest and in other parts of the United States. Buckthorn, no matter the type, can spread when wildlife eat and carry the berries away from the mother plants, making this invasive especially tricky to irradicate for good in North America, where it doesn’t belong. Understanding how to identify, treat, and monitor these plants can help protect local biodiversity from this ongoing threat. Even if you have located and dispatched a source of buckthorn, the threat of it returning or another colony starting somewhere else is something every property owner needs to be ready for. The first step is identifying where there is buckthorn and the size of the invasion: is it just a few trees on less than an acre of land or is it a full-on infestation that spans multiple acres and needs intensive and timed strategies to control? Let’s start with how to identify:
Identifying Buckthorn
Physical Characteristics:
- Leaves: Glossy Buckthorn has oval, glossy leaves that are smooth and dark green. European Buckthorn features more serrated, pointed leaves with a duller appearance.
- Bark: Both species have dark brown to gray bark, but European Buckthorn often has a more warty texture.
- Berries: The black berries of both species appear in clusters and are a key identification feature. Glossy Buckthorn berries are more prominent and rounder, while European Buckthorn’s are smaller and more oval.
- Both species can grow as shrubs or small trees, typically reaching 6-20 feet in height. They often form dense thickets, shading out native plants.
Treating Buckthorn
- Cut down small plants at the base, ensuring to remove the root if possible. Larger trees may require chainsaws.
- Always wear gloves and protective eyewear when handling these plants. Broken branches are a constant hazard with any woody removal job, so be careful when grabbing onto pieces of the cut wood or when cutting with a saw or chainsaw.
- Herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr can be effective. Apply during the growing season for the best results. It is understandable to not want to use herbicides to treat stumps after cutting or doing a foliar-spray, which requires coating the leaves of the plant to be effective. This technique requires personal protective equipment, a good understanding of measurements and regulations and can be expensive depending on the scope of the project. Most landowners prefer that these treatments be done by licensed professionals with years of experience and regulatory compliance.
- Another technique that doesn’t require chemicals at all, but instead uses carefully timed top-cuts during the critical growth period for buckthorn has been proven effective at exhausting the plant’s resources over time while simultaneously preventing berry production. Friends at the Mississippi River wrote a very informative article on this technique that is definitely worth exploring, especially if it’s only a small, manageable number of buckthorn trees that need to go. Read more on this by clicking here:
How (and when) to use the critical period cutting method to remove buckthorn — a DIY guide (fmr.org)
- After treatment, monitor the area for regrowth. It may take several attempts to fully eradicate buckthorn. If you’ve got a big buckthorn problem, like more than a few acres – it’s usually best to hire a restoration company like MNL that specializes in invasive woody species removal. Once the invasion has spread to more than a few acres, heavy equipment and hauling vehicles become necessary to cut down, haul and dispatch the materials once it’s been cut. Contact MNL if your buckthorn removal project is too big to handle on your own!
MNL | Vegetation Management Services (mnlcorp.com)
Monitoring Buckthorn
- Conduct regular site visits, ideally twice a year, to check for new growth or seedlings. Early detection is key to effective management.
- Keep records of locations, treatment methods, and any signs of success or failure. This data can help refine future strategies.
- Engage local volunteers or community groups in monitoring efforts. Collaboration can increase awareness and provide additional resources for removal.
Managing European and Glossy Buckthorn requires diligence and commitment, but with proper identification, treatment, and monitoring strategies, we can help protect our native ecosystems. Together, we can reclaim our landscapes from invasive species and promote biodiversity. If you’re not sure if you’re equipped to remove the buckthorn yourself or if you need professional help, tell us about your project! Send us the details at MNL | Contact Us (mnlcorp.com)