Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) was first brought to Minnesota from Europe in the mid-1800s as a popular hedging material. It was soon found to be quite invasive in natural areas and the nursery industry stopped selling it in the early 1900’s. There are many forrests in Minnesota that consisit of almost completely buckthorn and it needs to be controlled or we will lose our native plant and tree species. Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) is also from Europe and aggressively invades wetlands including acidic bogs, fens and sedge meadows.
Why is buckthorn such a problem?
What can you do?
Hire Goat Dispatch to bring in a herd of goats who will happily consume this invasive plant. Multiple grazings per season will have the most impact on reducing Buckthorn. However, even one time of having the goats graze will reduce an area of Buckthorn and other noxious plants. Keep in mind as the goats are consuming and ridding the area, it is completely eco-friendly.
Contact your local DNR for ways to help rid your property of Buckthorn.