The Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is native to Europe and is also known as European Buckthorn and is an invasive species in Canada (from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan). The species was introduced in Canada around the 1880s and became widespread in the early 1900s as it was often used in hedgerows and windbreaks.
In agriculture, it reduces crop yield by hosting oat crown rust and soybean aphid. It is also very adaptable and can grow in a wide range of habitats including (fence lines, woodland edges, pastures etc.). This species can harm the environment by outcompeting native plants, degrading the quality of wildlife habitat, and impacts a wide range of industries. Common Buckthorn can also harm biodiversity by affecting soil quality, plant communities, and wildlife. It impacts forestry due to its aggressive spread by seed and prolific growth. Common Buckthorn can impede recreational activities in areas where the common buckthorn has become established. Its dense stands can make it difficult to walk along and the aesthetic value also reduces along with the abundance and richness of native species. Some control measures that can be taken are pulling, cutting/girdling, mowing, grazing, flooding, fire, herbicide application, pesticides etc. Some measures that we can take include tracking the spread of European Buckthorn using an online tool called The Invasive Tracking System which allows users to view existing sightings of Common Buckthorn and other invasive species in Ontario.
Applied Plant Ecology Winter 2020 