Invasive Shrubs and Trees

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus Cathartica)

Buckthorn (both Common Buckthorn and Glossy Buckthorn) is an invasive, non-native plant that seriously threatens the local environment. These plants are highly adaptable to many growing conditions and have no known biological controls; thus, when left unmanaged, they can overtake yards, woodlands, parks and other areas. Buckthorn has the potential to out-compete native plants for light, moisture, and nutrients, diminish biodiversity, and, in turn, destroy wildlife habitat.

Control Options

There are several control options available for managing Buckthorn, including pulling by hand (smaller plants up to roughly 3/8 of an inch), using a hand tool, such as a Weed Wrench, to pull larger plants (up to about 2 inches in diameter), or cutting and chemically treating the stumps of Buckthorn greater than 2 inches in diameter (always follow product instructions for mixing and applying any herbicide).

Weed Wrenches

Two of the Weed Wrenches are now available for Ramsey residents to check out to help manage and eradicate Buckthorn. This tool can be checked out for two weeks. A $25 deposit is required to help ensure that the weed wrench is returned clean and in working condition. If interested in checking out one of the Weed Wrenches, please call the Community Development Department at 763-433-9824. Please note that a signed waiver form and safety glasses (provided by the City) are required.

Read more about Buckthorn from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Tatarian Honeysuckle (Lonicera Tatarica)

Tatarian honeysuckle is a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub growing to 10 feet tall. It can be easily confused with similar species like Bell’s, Morrow’s, or Amur honeysuckles, all distinguished by slight differences in flower color and leaf pubescence.

Tatarian Honeysuckle impacts:

High densities of honeysuckles can suppress native plant and timber regeneration and form monocultures. Ecosystem richness and density of tree seedlings are substantially reduced in honeysuckle infestations. This species can alter a habitat’s microclimate by creating dense shade, depleting soil moisture and nutrients, and possibly releasing allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of other plants. It can be especially harmful to spring ephemerals because of their early leafing.

Read more about Tatarian Honeysuckle

Siberian Elm (Ulmus Pumila)

Siberian elm is a deciduous tree, 30 to 60 feet tall, with an open, rounded crown and slender, spreading branches.

Siberian Elm impacts:

The tree can invade and dominate disturbed prairies in just a few years. Siberian elm is a deciduous tree that has been widely planted in Minnesota. It has spread to open, sunny areas such as roadsides and grasslands, where it can form dense thickets.

Read more about the Siberian Elm