bmaxell's Identifications

A dioecious shrub to small tree that inhabits wooded areas along riparian corridors but not inhabiting the stream banks. Individuals with fruit fruit are female. This site lies along Spring Creek where the Gallagator Linear trail crosses East Garfield Street, Bozeman, Montana.

Common buckthorn growing with Salix lasiandra (in back) and Prunus virginiana (on both sides). Common buckthorn has been observed in this area since at least 1991. Salix fragilis, Lonicera tatarica, Viburnum lanata, Cotoneaster lucidus, Populus alba, and Viburnum opulus are other exotic woody species growing in this area. This site lies along the irrigation ditch between Peets Hill and the Gallagator Trail as it crosses South Church Avenue, Bozeman, Montana.

The leaves arch downward and are slightly folded along the midrib. The pinnate venation pattern is distinctive because of the few secondary veins that exit the primary vein at a narrow angle. Although mostly shrubby in this area, common buckthorn can become a tree over 20 feet tall. The branching pattern ranges from alternate to often subopposite, which is distinguishing of this woody species. A dioecious shrub to small tree so individuals that bear no fruit probably are male. This site lies along Spring Creek just north of West Mason Street in Langhor Park, Bozeman, Montana.

Common buckthorn remains green well into the fall and early winter when all other trees and shrubs have lost leaves or have leaves that have turned color from green. Regular subopposite branching and leaves are distinguishing. This site lies along the trail that follows Spring Creek, near Graf Street, Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana.