Sharp-Tooth Buckthorn: What We Know About This Uncommon Tree
If you’ve stumbled across the name sharp-tooth buckthorn in your gardening research, you’re looking at quite the botanical mystery. Rhamnus arguta var. velutina is one of those plants that seems to slip under the radar, with limited information available even in specialized botanical databases.
The Basics: What Is Sharp-Tooth Buckthorn?
Sharp-tooth buckthorn is a perennial tree that belongs to the buckthorn family. True to its tree classification, this woody plant typically grows with a single trunk and can reach heights greater than 13-16 feet under the right conditions. Like many trees, it may occasionally develop a multi-stemmed growth pattern or stay shorter depending on environmental factors.
Where You’ll Find It
This particular variety has been documented in Indiana, though its presence appears to be quite limited. As a non-native species, sharp-tooth buckthorn was introduced to North American landscapes and has managed to establish itself and reproduce without human intervention.
The Garden Dilemma: To Plant or Not to Plant?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for the conscientious gardener. While sharp-tooth buckthorn isn’t currently flagged as invasive or noxious, its non-native status and the general lack of information about its ecological impact give us pause.
When you’re planning your landscape, consider these points:
- Limited ecological data means we don’t fully understand its effects on local ecosystems
- Non-native plants often provide fewer benefits to local wildlife compared to native species
- The scarcity of information suggests it may not be readily available from nurseries
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of taking a gamble on sharp-tooth buckthorn, why not explore native alternatives that will definitely benefit your local ecosystem? Consider these fantastic native options:
- American plum (Prunus americana) – offers beautiful spring blooms and wildlife-friendly fruits
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) – provides year-round interest with flowers, berries, and fall color
- Redbud (Cercis canadensis) – stunning early spring blooms and heart-shaped leaves
- Spicebush (Lindera benzoin) – excellent for partly shaded areas and supports native butterflies
The Bottom Line
While sharp-tooth buckthorn isn’t necessarily a bad plant, the lack of information about this particular variety makes it a questionable choice for most gardens. Given the abundance of well-documented native alternatives that provide known benefits to pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, it makes more sense to choose plants with proven track records.
If you’re set on exploring uncommon plants, focus your energy on rare native species that could use a conservation boost in home landscapes. Your garden will be more resilient, and your local ecosystem will thank you for it!
