Rhamnus cathartica is a deciduous, dioecious shrub or small tree growing up to 10 metres (33 ft) tall, with grey-brown bark and often thorny branches.

(Rhamnus cathartica) Common buckthorn is a shrub or small tree that can grow to 25 feet. It has oval, slightly toothed leaves. Twigs often have a single, sharp thorn at their tips.

Common buckthorn is a tall, understory shrub brought to North America in the early 1800s as an ornamental shrub, primarily to serve as a hedgerow. But this woody plant escaped from yards and …

Common buckthorn is native to Eurasia and was introduced to North America in the 1880s as an ornamental plant. Its abundant fruit is dispersed by birds and it spreads rapidly, replacing native …

Common and Glossy Buckthorn can be tall shrubs or small trees which may reach 6 to 25 feet and have trunks 10 inches in diameter. Buckthorns usually have a few to several stems or trunks and …

May 2, 2025 · Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is an invasive shrub or small tree that has become a major threat to North American ecosystems. Native to Europe and western Asia, it was …

Sep 22, 2023 · This article provides an identification guide to different types of buckthorn plants. Descriptions and pictures of various species of common buckthorn trees and shrubs will help you …

Jul 3, 2025 · Common buckthorn trees are native to Eurasia, but invasive in North America, where they harm ecosystems by crowding out native plant species and creating a monoculture.

Buckthorn leafs out early and retains its leaves late into the fall, creating dense shade that helps it to out-compete many native plants. Common, or European, buckthorn, and glossy buckthorn are the …

There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of common buckthorn. More desirable species may be found using the online Search Trees and Plants page of the …