Converse (1984) states that, \"Seedlings invade apparently stable habitats. Recruitment is most successful where there is ample light (Leitner 1984, Kowlaski 1968) and exposed soil (Andreas 1983). Tests of R. cathartica seedlings grown under various densities and light intensities showed reduced growth as shade increased (Leitner 1984). In North America R. cathartica leafs out prior to most woody deciduous plants in late April to mid-May. The leaves are retained into late September through October and sometimes into November (Hanson and Grau 1979, Lovely 1983). Leaf-drop possibly occurs earlier in open areas than in shade (Pauly 1984).\"
Converse (1984) states that, \"The native habitats of R. cathartica are diverse and include the understory of open oak (Leitner 1984, Tansley 1968), oak-beech, or ash woods (Tansley 1968, Hinneri 1972). It also occurs in riverine woods (Leitner 1984, Tansley 1968), thickets on exposed rocky sites (Hinneri 1972), hedgerows (Eldin 1968, Polunin 1969), pastures (Polunin 1969, Tansley 1968, Duffey et al. 1974) and alkaline shrub carr fens (Godwin and Bharucha 1932, Tansley 1969). It grows in well-drained sand, clay, or poorly drained calcareous soils, but prefers neutral or alkaline soils. It is less vigorous in dense shade, and may grow on woodland edges in sunny southern or western exposures (Leitner 1984).\"
Converse (1984) states that, \"Natural reproduction is primarily sexual; asexual means are absent or insignificant. R. cathartica reaches seed bearing age quickly (Godwin 1936). Flowers of R. cathartica may be polygamous, but are usually dioecious (Barnes and Wagner 1981) and bloom May through June during leaf expansion (Fernald 1950). The globose black drupes of R. cathartica ripen in August through September, and each contains three or four grooved seeds. They ripen in July through August and have two or three ungrooved seeds (Fernald 1950). Fruit production of both species is abundant each year (Hubbard 1974). Fruit is efficiently dispersed usually by starlings, blackbirds, woodducks, elk, mice (Ridley 1930), cedar waxwings, robins and blue jays. Mice are also seed predators (Godwin 1936). Apparently, few bird species readily tolerate the anthranquinones (emodin) present especially in the immature fruit, preventing premature dispersal (Trail and Dimond 1979). R. cathartica retains fruit into, or throughout, the winter. Because R. cathartica fruit is retained on the plant longer and is therefore more visible to birds, seeds may be dispersed more frequently over long distances.\" The authors continue on to state that, \"The importance of water dispersal is unknown, but dry fruit of R. cathartica can float six days and seeds float three days before sinking\".
Principal source: IPANE, 2001 Rhamnus cathartica (Common buckthorn , European buckthorn)
Wieseler, 1999 Rhamnus cathartica L.
Compiler: National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) & IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)
Review: Liam Heneghan Associate Professor of Environmental Science Co-Director, Insititute for Nature and Culture DePaul University Chicago USA
Publication date: 2005-08-29
Recommended citation: Global Invasive Species Database (2024) Species profile: Rhamnus cathartica. Downloaded from http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Rhamnus+cathartica on 07-10-2024.
The litter of R. cathartica decomposed rapidly, and promotes the rapid decomposition of litter in the forest floor adjacent to where it grown (Heneghan et al. 2002). Soils under R. cathartica have been shown to have modified nutrient cycling – with a higher percent N and C, and impact that may persists after the plant has been physically removed (Heneghan et al. 2004).
ODNR (2003) states that, \"Prescribed burning has been used to control R. cathartica in some natural areas. Fire will top kill stems, however re-sprouting will occur and seed germination may increase. Several years of burning may be necessary to control these species and may not be appropriate in some natural areas. Hand pulling may be successful in small infestations, although several seasons may be required, as re-sprouting will occur if part of the root is left behind. This method also disturbs the soil, increasing seed germination. Repeated mowing has been reported effective in maintaining open areas and preventing seedling establishment.\"
Chemical: Gale (2000) states that, \"The best time of year to use herbicides on i>R. cathartica is just after the native grasses and wildflowers have gone dormant (Boudreau and Wilson 1992, in Gale 2000). Herbicide applications may be done early in the season just after the trees have leafed out and before the trees have begun to bud, but those conducted in the fall or early winter appear to be the most effective (Aho 2000, Bohnen 2000, Solecki 1997, in Gale 2000).\"
ODNR (2003) states that, \"Control of R. cathartica with systemic herbicides has been successful in many situations. Application of Roundup®, Accord®, Glypro® or Garlon 4® to cut stumps during the growing season and in warm days of winter has proven to be effective. Other application methods may include basal bark and foliar application. A foliar application of Garlon 3A® in dense thickets may be very effective in the spring and fall. Without treatment, stems will re-sprout vigorously after cutting due to the extensive root system.\"