The Mission of the Yellowstone County Weed Department is to assist the public, private, and other government agencies to manage and control existing noxious weed infestations as well as to prevent new invasive species from infesting Yellowstone County.

Common BuckthornRhamnus cathartica L

Photo from Montana Weed Control Association

Seedling

Leaf

Thorn

Bark

Flower

Fruit

Photos from Montana Weed Control Association

Video Supplied By Montana Weed Control Association

Attribute	Information
Toxicity	Mild.
Control	Mechanical and herbicide control most effective when tailored to site conditions. Monitoring is crucial. Contact your local County Weed District or local applicator for more information.
Habitat	Occurs in disturbed and undisturbed habitats including roadsides, oil fields, prairies, and a variety of woodlands.
Root	Large, extensive root system.
Leaf Shape	Egg-shaped with pointed tips, fine toothed edges.
Lifespan	Perennial: two years or longer.
Priority 2A Weed	Common in isolated areas of Montana.
Similar Looking Plants	Native plum or cherry trees, dogwoods.
Important Information	Male and female flowers are borne on separate shrubs. No appreciable predators or diseases feed on this plant to curtail its growth or spread. Buckthorn fruits are widely dispersed by animals.