Buckthorn is a shrub or a small tree growing up to 20-25' tall. It has gray to brown bark and when cut it will reveal yellow sapwood and orange heartwood. Twigs often end up to be small sharp spines.
Leaves: Leaves are oval with tiny teeths and veins curving toward the tips. They will stay green very late into fall.
Flowers: Small greenish yellow leaves will bloom in May and June.
Fruits & Seeds: Female trees produce many clusters of round black pea-sized fruit.
Roots: Extensive fibrous root system.
Ecological threats
- Buckthorn invades forests, woodlands, oak savannas, prairies, fields, and roadsides.
- It leaves out very early, thus blocking sunlight to lower plants and will keep leaves very late in the season.