Glossy Buckthorn
Management Prioritization
Identification
Common Name: Glossy Buckthorn
Alternate Name: Alder buckthorn, columnar buckthorn, fernleaf buckthorn, tallhedge buckthorn
Scientific Name: Frangula alnus Mill. and all cultivars
Related Species: Common/European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica L.)
Legal Status: Restricted
Propagation and sale of this plant and its cultivars are prohibited in Minnesota. Transportation is only allowed when in compliance with Minnesota Statute 18.82 . Although Restricted Noxious Weeds are not required to be controlled or eradicated by law, landowners are strongly encouraged to manage these invasive plants on their properties in order to reduce spread into new areas. Minnesota Noxious Weed Law .
Background
Glossy buckthorn, native to Europe and Asia, is a highly invasive perennial understory shrub or a small tree that can reach heights of 15 - 20 feet and 10 inches in diameter. This species was introduced to North America as an ornamental shrub and used for living fence rows and wildlife habitat. Since its introduction, it has spread aggressively across most of the northeast and upper Midwest and has become a serious threat to the degradation of native forest understory habitats where it out-competes native plant species especially in wet meadows and other moist soil environments.
Glossy buckthorn is a tall understory shrub or small tree with a spreading/branched crown. Multiple stems at the base when young; eventually develops into a singular trunk/stem as it matures.
Stem
Main stem can be up to 10 inches in diameter with brown bark and has elongate silvery corky projections. Cut stems have orange heartwood (center/non-living) and yellow sapwood (outer/living part of stem).
Glossy buckthorn bark
Branches
Branches contain buds and leaves that alternate along the stem. Twigs do not produce terminal thorns like common buckthorn.
Glossy buckthorn branches
Leaf
Leaves are oval, smooth, glossy, toothless, and have 8-9 veins that radiate outward from a central mid-vein. Leaves stay green late into the fall after most other trees have shed their leaf canopy, making glossy buckthorn easy to identify at this time of the year.
Glossy buckthorn leaf
Flower
Small, greenish-white, five-petaled flowers are produced in clusters near the base of the leaf stalks along the branches. Flowers consist of both male and female parts.
Glossy buckthorn flower cluster
Close up of glossy buckthorn flower
Fruit
Round berries are produced following fertilization and ripen in August and September. Berries contain 3 - 4 seeds, transition from green to red early in development and then red to dark purple when ripened. Berry clusters are typically a mixture of ripened and unripened fruits and are highly attractive to birds, facilitating quick spread into new areas.
Glossy buckthorn immature berries
Glossy buckthorn mature fruit
Seedling
Seedling
Distribution
Current Distribution Model
- Point data collected from EDDMapS; not all locations in the state have been recorded, but points on distribution map have been reported and verified.
- Distribution model takes location data and environmental factors into account to create a prediction of current distribution
Management Prioritization
Influenced by:
- distribution models
- actual reports
- economic benefits
- land cover
- conservation features
- trails
High priority areas surround areas of high density to prevent further large infestations and loss of biodiversity.
Infestation Examples
01 / 03
1
General Infested Area
Population in the midst of other populations
Management here is involved
2
Leading Edge
Sparse populations in the transition from infested areas to un-infested areas
Management is involved but can prevent further spread or large establishment of stands.
3
Isolated Population
Location far from other known populations.
Management here is efficient and cost effective.
Lifecycle: Treatment Timing
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources
