Glossy Buckthorn (Fragnus alnus)

ABOUT THIS PLANT

Glossy buckthorn (Fragnus alnus) was introduced in the 1800's as an ornamental plant. It was used for hedges due to its large, bushy growth form. Glossy buckthorn began to spread throughout New England and the mid-west in the early 1900's.

HOW TO IDENTIFY

Leaf: The leaf pattern is alternate or sub-alternate. The leaf shape is elliptical to ovate and it has smooth, wavy leaf margins. It has 8-9 archuate (arched) veins branching off of the central mid-vein.

Fruit/Flower: small, five petal light green flower. The berry is a green or orange drupe turning purple in the fall.

Growth form: Glossy buckthorn is a mid-sized shrub. It is often multi-stemmed when young and can grow up to twenty feet height.

Glossy buckthorn (Fragnus alnus) maybe easily confused with European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica).

Glossy buckthorn

untoothed, wavy leaves with 8-9 parallel leaf veins
alternate branching
five petal flower

European or Common buckthorn

toothed leaves with 3-4 arched veins
opposite branching
four petal flower.

LIFE HISTORY

Flowering and Fruiting Period: Glossy buckthorn flowers from May to September. Berries begin to appear in July and persist into fall.

Glossy buckthorn can often be found on field and forest edges and in woodland understories. It prefers high to mid-sunlight conditions, though it may grow in lower sun conditions. Glossy buckthorn can be found in moist and dry soils. Birds are its primary dispersal agent. Like European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) its berries can also act as a laxative.

REMOVAL

Full root removal is an effective method of control. If the shrub is too large to remove by pulling, cut the stem, then break up and remove the root system with a shovel or pick axe. You may also use a root extraction tool such as a Weed Wrench or Uprooter. Buckthorn baggies (see: European buckthorn) also work for Glossy buckthorn.