European Buckthorn
Rhamnus cathartica
Description
Height to 25 ft.; spread to 20 ft. Small, 4-petaled, yellow to brown flowers in leaf axils; flowers May to July. Leaves are oblong, margins are wavy with small teeth. Fruits are black, round, and persistent. Bark has obvious, white lenticels.
Habitat
Found in woodlands, prairies, and fields; well-drained soils.
Location in Nebraska
Identified in a few counties in North-central Nebraska.
Pathway of Introduction and Spread
Introduced into the U.S. – Originally from Europe. Has been used extensively in the landscape and as fences, however has escaped into natural areas. Spreads by rhizomes and wildlife.
Impacts
Alternate host for oat rust; Forms thickets (sometimes monocultures) with thorns which can be hazardous; Out-competes native vegetation. Also an overwinter site for soybean aphid eggs, an invasive insect.
“Weeds of the Great Plains” – Nebraska Department of Agriculture