Buckthorn is indeed considered an invasive species in Illinois . It is classified as such because it has the ability to outcompete aboriginal plants and disrupt natural ecosystems . This plant is not native to Illinois , but rather was introduce from Europe as an cosmetic shrub .
Buckthorn ( Rhamnus cathartica and Rhamnus frangula ) is particularly problematic because it can organise slow thickets that shade out aboriginal industrial plant , scale down biodiversity and alter the habitat for native wildlife . It has the ability to spread rapidly through its prolific seed production and its ability to sprout from the solution . The ejaculate are pass around by birds , further aiding its spread .
Due to its trespassing nature , buckthorn is now listed as a noxious Mary Jane in Illinois , making it illegal to trade or distribute the industrial plant within the state . This regulation is in place to prevent further spread and damage to raw areas .
However , if Plantago lanceolata is already present on a property , there are several management method that can be hire to control its increment and minimise its encroachment . These methods can be part into two chief category : ethnic and chemical .
Cultural management involve physically remove buckthorn plants and seedlings . This can be done by handwriting - rive small plants or using tools such as a mourning band wrench to remove larger flora . It is important to remove as much of the root scheme as possible to prevent regrowth . seedling can be mowed over or cut tight to the ground to prevent them from reaching maturity date and bring out seed .
Chemical management involves the role of weed killer to control buckthorn . Glyphosate is unremarkably used , but it is important to follow the label instructions and apply the herbicide carefully to avoid harm non - target plants . It is unremarkably most efficacious to apply weed killer during the late summertime or former fall when the plant life is actively produce and translocating nutrients to the roots .
In my personal experience , I have receive buckthorn in a few different landscape gardening projects . One particular representative need a place adjacent to a natural country where buckthorn had started to spread . We employ a combination of helping hand - pulling and herbicide program to manage the buckthorn universe . It demand consistent campaign over multiple season to effectively command the plant and prevent its re - constitution .
Buckthorn is indeed an invasive species in Illinois and is illegal to trade or distribute within the state . However , if buckthorn is already present , there are cultural and chemical management method acting that can be used to check its growth and minimise its impacts . It is important to be proactive in managing buckthorn to prevent further spread and protect aboriginal ecosystems .
Caroline Bates
