September 1, 2026 Buckthorn’s Worst Enemies If you have an affinity for native plant communities and ecological restoration, you are probably aware of the infamous common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), one of Minnesota’s worst invasive weeds. Since this species was introduced from Europe in the 1850s it has established in every Minnesota county. The negative impacts of buckthorn are numerous. From destroying native plant communities and wildlife habitat, to decreasing the aesthetic value of woodlands, and even speeding up soil erosion. Thankfully, applied research has given us management tools to effectively reduce populations and control its spread Our Approach to Controlling Buckthorn Our general approach to controlling buckthorn is multi-fold; we start with treating a buckthorn infestation through mechanical and chemical means. Then, we work to establish native plant communities, most often by using a combination of seed and plant installation. Finally, we intensively monitor and manage the site to stop any returning buckthorn in its tracks. Now let’s get into the details of our buckthorn battling process. Buckthorn Control Determining the best method of buckthorn removal for your situation depends on the size and severity of your infestation. For buckthorn seedlings that are relatively sparse, manual removal is a good option. Manual removal refers to physically digging and pulling out buckthorn from the ground, roots and all. This is simple enough for small buckthorn, e.g. 1.5 feet tall or less, but when it gets much taller and the roots more established, you will want to opt for a combination of mechanical and chemical removal methods. Mechanical removal uses tools such as chainsaws, loppers, and brush saws to cut the plant. For buckthorn taller than three feet, we recommend cutting plants as low to the ground as possible and then applying herbicides containing glyphosate or triclopyr to the stump using a paintbrush, dauber, or low volume sprayer. For abundant stands of buckthorn shorter than three feet, careful foliar spray applications using triclopyr-based herbicides are effective. In a survey of MN public land management professionals, 72% of respondents said that herbicide treatment was very effective on buckthorn. This is compared to 50% for manual removal and 23% for mechanical removal treatment. Plants that Fight Buckthorn Once buckthorn has been removed, the next phase of restoration begins: rebuilding a resilient native plant community. Our primary goal is to establish fairly aggressive species that can effectively compete with buckthorn and suppress its return. Plant selection is guided by site conditions such as soil type, moisture, and light availability, as well as client goals. Over the years, we’ve developed a trusted list of native species that consistently perform well in restored sites. When possible, we use a combination of woody and herbaceous plant material. Native shrubs create an upper canopy that shades out buckthorn seedlings. A dense ground layer fills in open space and competes for light and resources at the soil surface. Together, these plant communities form a living defense against reinvasion. Here are a few of our favorite species and why they make the list. The first plant on our list is one of our favorite shrubs, elderberry. Recent research published by the University of Minnesota suggests that elderberries, such as red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa) and common elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), can outcompete buckthorn and help prevent or slow its growth. Scientists think these shrubs’ competitive edge may be because they have a similarly long growing season to buckthorn. Part of what makes buckthorn such a dominant plant is that its growing season is much longer than most native species. Allowing it to outgrow and outcompete surrounding native species. Researchers found that red elderberry has an even longer growing season than buckthorn. Plus, elderberry’s fragrant white flowers and attractive red or black berries make it an incredibly attractive plant in natural landscapes. Through our decades of professional ecological restoration experience, we have found that the best buckthorn fighters in the ground layer are grasses in the wild rye genus (Elymus). This includes Canada wild rye (Elymus canadensis) and Virginia wild rye (Elymus virginicus). A recent study from the University of Minnesota reported that after the initial removal, buckthorn regrowth was drastically reduced in areas where wild rye was seeded compared to un-seeded ones. These relatively inexpensive and fast-growing ryes can form dense ground cover. This effectively shades out young buckthorn saplings and preventing their regrowth. Wild rye is most effective in areas with a good amount of sunlight, but what if your site is shady? In that case, opt for shade-tolerant grasses, sedges, and wildflowers that can create solid ground-cover. Large-leaf aster (Eurybia macrophylla), zig zag goldenrod (Solidago flexicaulis), Sprengel’s sedge (Carex sprengelii), and bottlebrush grass (Elymus hystrix) are great options. While sedges can be effective groundcover, especially for shady sites, their initial installation can be costly and slow to establish, so we suggest opting for grasses when possible. Monitoring and Maintenance From our many years of restoration experience, we know that the initial removal is only half the battle– ongoing management is really essential. Unlike some other invasive species, buckthorn seeds only survive in the soil for one to two years. This means that aggressive monitoring and management during the first two years after clearing an area is critical for success. We monitor sites for regrowth and remove new saplings as needed, avoiding using herbicide for the first few years so as to not hurt young establishing native plants. In addition to buckthorn, we also manage other invasive weed species that may try to take hold. It is really important to carefully balance weed control while also protecting young native plants as they establish. It’s Worth the Hard Work Buckthorn can feel overwhelming to tackle, but the results are well worth the effort. Few transformations are as rewarding as watching a site shift from an infestation to a thriving native landscape. Beyond the obvious visual impact, restoring native plant communities strengthens local ecosystems, improves habitat, and supports long-term environmental health. If you’re ready to take on buckthorn in your own yard, our team offers comprehensive services including removal, ecological restoration design, installation, and ongoing maintenance. You’re also welcome to connect with our staff at one of our retail nursery sale. We can help you choose the right native species for your specific site conditions and goals. Whether you partner with us or manage the project yourself, successful buckthorn control is a multi-step process that combines effective initial removal with consistent, long-term stewardship.
