Rhamnus cathartica
Rhamnus cathartica European buckthorn
A European buckthorn escaped from landscaping & now naturalized throughout the state. Grows in thick stands and is considered a nuisance plant to eliminate.
The tree can have single or multiple crooked trunks, with a round crown. The leaves stay green into November and then fall off without changing color. Spread by birds that eat berries throughout the winter.
Habitat & Range
Grows in open woods, pastures, fencerows and roadsides.
Present throughout the state.
| EMP: | FACU |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FAC |
Phenology
Flowers May to June.
Characteristics
Leaf simple, oval, with pointed tip and finely-toothed margins; dark green on upper surface; opposite attachement
Bark gray with horizontal white markings & many scales
Flower green bell-shaped flowers in clusters
Fruit green berries in cluster, turning black at maturity; each berry contains 3-4 seeds; stay on the tree throughout winter
Rhamnus cathartica European buckthorn
