Common Buckthorn: Why This Useful Shrub Should Stay Out of Your Garden
If you’ve ever wondered about that dense, thorny shrub taking over natural areas near you, there’s a good chance you’re looking at common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). While this European native might seem like an attractive, low-maintenance option for your landscape, it’s actually one of North America’s most problematic invasive plants. Let’s dive into why this seemingly innocent shrub has earned such a bad reputation and what you should do if you encounter it.
What is Common Buckthorn?
Common buckthorn is a perennial, multi-stemmed woody shrub that typically grows 13-16 feet tall, though it can reach greater heights under the right conditions. This deciduous plant produces small, dark green oval leaves and tiny yellowish-green flowers in spring, followed by clusters of small black berries in fall. The shrub also displays pleasant orange-yellow fall colors, which might explain why some gardeners initially find it appealing.
Originally from Europe and western Asia, common buckthorn was introduced to North America in the 1800s and has been spreading ever since. It’s remarkably adaptable, thriving in USDA hardiness zones 2-7 and tolerating a wide range of growing conditions from full sun to partial shade, various soil types, and different moisture levels.
Where You’ll Find Common Buckthorn
This invasive species has established itself across much of North America, growing in states and provinces including Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
The Problem with Common Buckthorn
Here’s where things get serious. Common buckthorn isn’t just a non-native plant that’s found a new home – it’s an aggressive invader that’s earned official invasive status in multiple states:
- Connecticut: Invasive, Prohibited
- Michigan: Invasive
- Missouri: Invasive
- New Hampshire: Prohibited
- Wisconsin: Restricted
This shrub’s success comes from its ability to outcompete native plants. It leafs out earlier in spring and holds its leaves longer in fall than most native species, giving it a competitive advantage for sunlight. The dense thickets it forms shade out native understory plants, dramatically altering forest ecosystems.
Why Gardeners Should Avoid Common Buckthorn
While common buckthorn might seem like an easy-care shrub for difficult spots in your landscape, planting it is a big mistake. Here’s why:
- It’s incredibly invasive: Birds spread the seeds far and wide, meaning your contained garden plant will likely establish new populations in nearby natural areas
- It crowds out native plants: Your local ecosystem depends on native species to support wildlife
- It’s often illegal: Many states prohibit planting or selling common buckthorn
- It’s hard to control: Once established, buckthorn is difficult to remove and requires ongoing management
What to Do If You Have Common Buckthorn
If you discover common buckthorn on your property, the best course of action is removal. Small plants can be hand-pulled when the soil is moist, but larger shrubs will need to be cut and the stumps treated with herbicide to prevent resprouting. This is definitely a job that requires persistence, as you’ll likely need to monitor the area for several years to catch new seedlings.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of common buckthorn, consider these native alternatives that will provide similar benefits without the ecological damage:
- American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis): Produces berries for wildlife and has beautiful flowers
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier species): Offers spring flowers, edible berries, and gorgeous fall color
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin): Provides early nectar for pollinators and supports native butterflies
- Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa): Creates dense thickets for wildlife habitat with white berries and fall color
The Bottom Line
While common buckthorn might look like a hardy, low-maintenance shrub, it’s actually an ecological troublemaker that doesn’t belong in North American gardens. Its invasive nature and ability to damage native ecosystems far outweigh any perceived benefits. If you’re looking for a tough, adaptable shrub for your landscape, stick with native alternatives that will support local wildlife and ecosystems instead of harming them.
Remember, gardening is about more than just what looks good in your yard – it’s about being a good steward of the environment around us. By choosing native plants over invasive species like common buckthorn, you’re making a positive impact that extends far beyond your property lines.
