Assistance available for controlling European Buckthorn

Lake of the Woods Soil and Water Conservation District is currently accepting applications from landowners who would like assistance in identifying and treating European buckthorn.

Why is European buckthorn such a concern? There are all kinds of invasive plant species, but European buckthorn tends to fall into the classification of “really nasty.” It seeds itself prolifically and relies on our feathered friends to help in its crusade. One of buckthorn’s natural adaptations is that its berries have a diuretic effect. Birds that eat the dark purple berries of the buckthorn will be quickly relieved of the seeds contained within the tasty fruit. Buckthorn is such a fast grower and strong competitor that it can squeeze out all other plant life and create a monoculture, wrecking natural habitat. If anyone has seen forests in southern Minnesota where dense stands of buckthorn have completely taken over the understory of an otherwise healthy forest, you are well aware that it is something we do not want here.

Identifying European buckthorn once you’ve developed the ‘eye’ for it can be pretty easy. It grows about 10-15 feet in height, and has dark green leaves with distinguished patterned veins. It also has very small thorns at the tips of its branches. Fall is a great time to identify buckthorn because it tends to hold the deep green leaf color long past the time when other trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves.

If you’re interested in having us stop by your property to conduct an evaluation, just call 634-1842 ext 4. You can also email us at staff@lakeofthewoodsswcd.org