Skaneateles Conservation Area/Invasive species/Rhamnus cathartica

Rhamnus cathartica (common buckthorn)

Common buckthorn or European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is native to much of Europe, western Asia and northern Africa.

It’s a small tree or large shrub that was introduced to North America by early settlers for medicinal purposes and later for use as an ornamental hedge plant and had escaped cultivation as early as 1800.

Ecological impact

Buckthorns displace native plants and alter soil nutrients. Buckthorn prefers forest edges, meadows, and disturbed areas. It fixes nitrogen and can create dense thickets shading out native vegetation.

Description

Buckthorn forms small trees up to 25 feet tall. Buckthorns are usually dioecious and bloom in the spring. These flowers ripen into black fruit from August to September. These fruits can persist into winter. Fruits are eaten by birds, mice, and deer. Seeds can remain viable in the soil for 2-6 years. Young buckthorn can mature in 5-6 years.

Observations of Rhamnus cathartica at the SCA

The following photographs and corresponding iNaturalist observations of Rhamnus cathartica were made at or very near the Skaneateles Conservation Area. Click on images to enlarge and read details on Wikimedia Commons or on the "iNat obs" links to view the corresponding observations at iNaturalist.

• Rhamnus cathartica being removed from old field behind transfer station, 28 Mar 2011. iNat obs
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• Rhamnus cathartica being removed from old field behind transfer station, 29 Mar 2011. iNat obs
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• Rhamnus cathartica resprouts from one of the above buckthorns in old field behind transfer station, 24 Jun 2011. iNat obs
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• Rhamnus cathartica more resprouts, 18 Sep 2011. iNat obs
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• Rhamnus cathartica being removed from above fishing pond, 30 Apr 2012. iNat obs
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• Rhamnus cathartica on side of main Federal Farm trail, 28 Aug 2014. iNat obs
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