Rhamnus cathartica
Rhamnus cathartica European buckthorn
![Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously Plant grows in the wild/spontaneously](/Modules/Zulatm.WebPlants/Content/WildIcon.png)
![Plant is invasive in PA Plant is invasive in PA](/Modules/Zulatm.WebPlants/Content/InvIcon.png)
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