Shrub Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica
- Artmyth
- Offline Topic Author
- Junior Member
- Posts: 25
- Thanks received: 2
Hi, This shrub self seeds easily on my property - aided by the birds who eat the fruit.
I have checked many tree identification sites and have not been able to pin it down, I do not think it is a native tree to my area - Ontario Georgian Bay
Its leaves are almost waxy and remain fairly small - the oldest shrub nearby has a trunk about 4" across, and as may be expected from the fruit its bark has horizontal striping similar to cherries.
I have checked many tree identification sites and have not been able to pin it down, I do not think it is a native tree to my area - Ontario Georgian Bay
Its leaves are almost waxy and remain fairly small - the oldest shrub nearby has a trunk about 4" across, and as may be expected from the fruit its bark has horizontal striping similar to cherries.
Last Edit:13 years 3 months ago
by Artmyth
Last edit: 13 years 3 months ago by Artmyth. Reason: added correct name
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Pinkham
- Offline
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 800
- Thanks received: 62
Hey there artmyth,
We have those trees here in Maine too. I'm pretty sure they are native to the area. I don't know what they are either. The closest thing I can find is an elderberry tree, but That isn't what it is.
I'm going to do a little more research to see if I can find out.
We have those trees here in Maine too. I'm pretty sure they are native to the area. I don't know what they are either. The closest thing I can find is an elderberry tree, but That isn't what it is.
I'm going to do a little more research to see if I can find out.
by Pinkham
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Artmyth
- Offline Topic Author
- Junior Member
- Posts: 25
- Thanks received: 2
I think you have zeroed in on the genus check this out
from that page look at this image
That to me looks like what I have
Thank you I will attempt to refine the search within that genus!
That to me looks like what I have
Thank you I will attempt to refine the search within that genus!
Last Edit:13 years 3 months ago
by Artmyth
Last edit: 13 years 3 months ago by Artmyth. Reason: added url bb code
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Artmyth
- Offline Topic Author
- Junior Member
- Posts: 25
- Thanks received: 2
I found it! with your help in narrowing the genus I crisscrossed a reference to this,
The images on that page are with no doubt what is growing around here.
Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica
And its invasive.
Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica
And its invasive.
by Artmyth
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Pinkham
- Offline
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 800
- Thanks received: 62
Since its invasive you should dig up lots of them and experiment on them. You don't have to feel bad about killing them. I have a few trees that are invasive and that's what I do with them. So far none have died.
by Pinkham
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Leslie
- Offline
- Platinum Member
- Posts: 749
- Thanks received: 7
Replied by Leslie on topic Re: Shrub Common Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica
Posted 13 years 3 months ago #1977
At first I thought this was a *Chokecherry* but I may be incorrect. It is very similar however, to the plant you have mentioned.
I think the main difference is the way the berries are clustered. The Chokecherry's fruit grow in hanging clusters similar to the grape. The photo with this link shows the berries in the early green stage which later turn black when ripe. The berries are edible. We used to pick them as kids and Mom would make Chokecherry jam. Inspite of the bitter taste on the inside of the skin they make delicious jam.
I think the main difference is the way the berries are clustered. The Chokecherry's fruit grow in hanging clusters similar to the grape. The photo with this link shows the berries in the early green stage which later turn black when ripe. The berries are edible. We used to pick them as kids and Mom would make Chokecherry jam. Inspite of the bitter taste on the inside of the skin they make delicious jam.
by Leslie
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.