Common buckthorn is a shrub or small tree native to Eurasia. It can grow to 22 feet in height and to a 10 inch wide trunk. When mature, the trunk may resemble the color an dtexture of a plum tree and the branches have sharp spines at the tips. This plant's leaves develop before those of the native shrubs and stay on branches later, giving it a competitive edge. The black fruits are dispersed by birds far from the original plant and into open oak woods, prairies, and woodlands. In open areas buckthorn forms dense pockets that prevent and choke out native vegetation. Buckthorn is not picky about the soil conditions it grows in, but does prefer some shade over full sun. However, it will grow just about everywhere.
Many people like to keep buckthorn on their property since it is fast growing and provides instant privacy. They also enjoy seeing the birds eat the berries of the buckthorn. Little do they realize that they are enabling the species to take over even more area by not removing the plant when young. The best method of removal is to hand pick or dig up young saplings, before they set fruit. Currently buckthorn has no natural pests. However, European research has found several insects that may provide biocontrol. The earliest these insects would be released in the States would be by 2009 or 2010.
