For land managers battling common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), the challenge often feels like a never-ending cycle. While initial removal through mechanical means can be successful, buckthorn has a frustrating ability to quickly reclaim its territory through resprouts and seedlings.
Recent research from Minnesota found in the November 2024 Natural Areas Journal demonstrates an innovative approach that combines native plant restoration with prescribed burning to achieve more effective long-term control.
We been promotion similar tactics with Flywheel Ecology, but now we have the data to prove it is effective! This methodology can be used for other woody invasives as well, both in woodlands, savannas, and prairies.
The Challenge of Buckthorn Control
Common buckthorn poses several challenges that make it particularly difficult to manage:
- It rapidly reestablishes dominance after removal through resprouting stems and new seedlings
- Its leaf litter decomposes quickly, leaving bare ground
- Its shade outcompeted native plants, eliminating competition and fuel for controlled burns
- The resulting lack of ground cover makes prescribed burns less effective
- Native seedbanks are often depleted in buckthorn-invaded areas
- Buckthorn leaf litter is less combustible than native tree species
Research-Backed Results
A study conducted in Minnesota forests (with 8-24% tree canopy light transmission) demonstrated that establishing native plants before prescribed burning can dramatically improve buckthorn control outcomes. Spring burns conducted in April and May showed:
The Power of Native Grasses
When native grasses are established following buckthorn removal, they create ideal conditions for effective prescribed burns by:
- Increasing grass litter cover by more than 12-fold (from 2% to 29%)
- Reducing bare ground by 73% (from 2.11% to 0.56%)
- Improving fire spread by 85% (from 51% to 94% coverage)
- Creating more consistent and severe burn conditions
- Maintaining effectiveness even in partially shaded conditions
The Results Speak for Themselves
Areas seeded with native plants before burning showed remarkable improvements:
- 72% less invasive woody cover compared to unseeded areas
- 33% less woody invasive regrowth in burned areas versus unburned
- More complete consumption of woody stems during burns
- Better sustained control of buckthorn seedlings
- Continued grass coverage after burning, supporting potential future burns
Natural Communities' Solutions for Effective Restoration
We offer specialized seed mixes and strategies designed for buckthorn control:
Perfect for varying light conditions:
- Shade-tolerant for woodland settings
- Adaptable to partial sun
- Thrives in full sun locations
- Quick establishment of native cool-season grasses
- Creates persistent ground cover for future burns
- Special Virginia Rye option available for:
- Wetter sites
- Areas with seasonal flooding
- Poorly drained soils
- Professional wholesale pricing at 50% off retail
Side Oats Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)
- Ideal for:
- Partial to full sun locations
- Well-drained sites
- Areas needing quick establishment
- Rapid establishment of warm season native grass fuel
- Creates long-lasting fine fuel layer
- Excellent drought tolerance
- Strong competition against invasive species
- Available at wholesale prices
Implementation Timeline and Best Practices
For optimal results, follow this management sequence:
- Initial Buckthorn Removal (Fall/Winter/Early Spring)
- Planning (Early Spring)
- Assess light conditions
- Evaluate soil moisture and drainage
- Seeding (Fall – Spring, Spring Optimal)
- Select appropriate mix based on site conditions
- Follow recommended seeding rates
- Establishment Period (1-2 Growing Seasons)
- Good establishment year 1, better in year 2
- Monitor grass establishment
- Conduct selective follow-up buckthorn control as needed
- Conduce over seeding of underperforming areas as needed
- Prescribed Burn Planning (Following Fall -Spring)
- Ensure adequate fuel bed development
- Monitor weather conditions for optimal burning
Professional Advantage
Natural Communities can offer wholesale pricing for qualified buyers, making it cost-effective to implement this research-backed approach at any scale. Our seed mixes have been specifically selected to:
- Establish quickly in challenging conditions
- Create persistent fine fuel layers
- Compete effectively with buckthorn seedlings
- Support long-term restoration goals
Take Action Now
Enhance your buckthorn management strategy with Natural Communities' native plant solutions. Contact us today to:
- Free Consultation Call
- Discuss your specific site conditions
- Get personalized mix recommendations
- Take advantage of wholesale pricing
- Develop a comprehensive restoration plan
This approach is based on research published in the Natural Areas Journal (November 26, 2024), demonstrating the enhanced efficacy of prescribed burning when combined with native plant restoration in buckthorn management. Study conducted in Minnesota forests with varying light conditions.