Betsy's Garden |
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October 17, 2001 Buckthorn As I write this column, today is an October day we hope for. The sky is cloudless blue, the trees are in full yellow and gold fall glory, and autumnal mellowness is all around. Theodore and I contentedly walked through the fallen leaves and pine needles on our morning walk. However, as we walked, I noticed our area’s big invader had sprouted new outposts and was not-so-well camouflaged along the road, in front yards, in rough areas. You guessed it. Buckthorn. When the leaves have fallen from surrounding trees, the buckthorn tree still has its green leaves and its poisonous blackish purple berries. The green leaves and dark berries, plus its thorns, make it easy to identify at this time of year. Buckthorn is an invader. It is not a native plant. Its long, dense, fibrous roots take over and take space and nutrients from more desirable, environmentally friendly, native plants. The birds eat the berries and pass the seeds into, onto areas they fly over. The seeds sprout easily and send up eager, vigorous sprouts. Buckthorn is subversive. It may appear attractive. It is often confused with wild cherry or plum. Its dark green leaves are not stringy or unattractive. Some varieties used to be grown as hedges along property lines. There is one such hedge in our neighborhood. Or I should say, one hedge which is becoming an ex-hedge. The homeowners were horrified to learn what they were maintaining. They have joined the army against buckthorn. There are several ways to remove this pest. Our neighborhood homeowners association has purchased a buckthorn stump puller. Many homeowners have used it with success. If you do not have access to a buckthorn remover, you can still remove the plant. As part of fall garden cleanup we can pull up shoots, young saplings. Pulling out the roots is most effective. If you cut down the trees or bushes, it is important to apply Round up or an effective herbicide to the stump. Otherwise the suckers or new sprouts will appear. This plant is pervasive, invasive, and persistent. But we can do our part to eliminate it in our area. For more information on buckthorn go to www.extension.umn.edu and enter ‘buckthorn in the search box. The information briefs will give helpful information on identification and removal of buckthorn. For timely October gardening information check out Yard & Garden News at www.extension.umn.edu. Scroll down and click on Yard & Garden News. There are loads of gardening activities we can continue with as the days shorten and the temperatures cool. Betsy Halden is a Master Gardener with the University of Minnesota Extension Service. University of Minnesota Extension Service materials were consulted in the preparation of this column. You can reach Betsy Halden at eahalden@comcast.net |
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