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Writer's pictureLake Harriet Environment Council

Help attack invasive buckthorn and garlic mustard on Saturdays in Roberts Bird Sanctuary and William Berry Woods

We will be working to permanently remove garlic mustard and buckthorn. These pervasive non-native plants are choking out healthy trees and native vegetation.


Email contact@friendsofroberts.org for more info.

What is Buckthorn?

According to the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board's Buckthorn page, "Common and glossy buckthorn are two shrubs brought into Minnesota from Europe in the 1800’s as hedge plants. Buckthorn is considered a restricted noxious weed by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, which means nursery production and sale of buckthorn in Minnesota is banned."


Environmental Impact

Birds easily spread buckthorn seed from one site to another. As a result buckthorn has escaped from yards and gardens and invaded wooded areas throughout the state.


Buckthorn shrubs are very aggressive and completely replace the native shrub layer (understory) that grows beneath the mature trees in the forest. The dense shade provided by buckthorn causes native wildflowers and grasses to decline. Dense thickets of buckthorn reduce visibility along pathways and at intersections, decreasing your enjoyment and sense of safety.


After buckthorn removal.



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