Buckthorn is indeed considered an invasive species in Illinois. It is classified as such because it has the ability to outcompete native plants and disrupt natural ecosystems. This plant is not native to Illinois, but rather was introduced from Europe as an ornamental shrub.
Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica and Rhamnus frangula) is particularly problematic because it can form dense thickets that shade out native plants, reducing biodiversity and altering the habitat for native wildlife. It has the ability to spread rapidly through its prolific seed production and its ability to sprout from the roots. The seeds are dispersed by birds, further aiding its spread.
Due to its invasive nature, buckthorn is now listed as a noxious weed in Illinois, making it illegal to sell or distribute the plant within the state. This regulation is in place to prevent further spread and damage to natural areas.
However, if buckthorn is already present on a property, there are several management methods that can be employed to control its growth and minimize its impacts. These methods can be divided into two main categories: cultural and chemical.
Cultural management involves physically removing buckthorn plants and seedlings. This can be done by hand-pulling small plants or using tools such as a weed wrench to remove larger plants. It is important to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth. Seedlings can be mowed over or cut close to the ground to prevent them from reaching maturity and producing seeds.
Chemical management involves the use of herbicides to control buckthorn. Glyphosate is commonly used, but it is important to follow the label instructions and apply the herbicide carefully to avoid harming non-target plants. It is usually most effective to apply herbicides during the late summer or early fall when the plant is actively growing and translocating nutrients to the roots.
In my personal experience, I have encountered buckthorn in a few different landscaping projects. One particular instance involved a property adjacent to a natural area where buckthorn had started to spread. We employed a combination of hand-pulling and herbicide application to manage the buckthorn population. It required consistent effort over multiple seasons to effectively control the plant and prevent its re-establishment.
Buckthorn is indeed an invasive species in Illinois and is illegal to sell or distribute within the state. However, if buckthorn is already present, there are cultural and chemical management methods that can be used to control its growth and minimize its impacts. It is important to be proactive in managing buckthorn to prevent further spread and protect native ecosystems.
