Chokecherry Vs Buckthorn – Identify And Manage These Common Shrub
The primary difference between these two plants is their growth habit and leaf arrangement. Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) features alternate leaves and elongated clusters of white flowers, while Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) often has sub-opposite leaves and small thorns at the branch tips.
Identifying chokecherry vs buckthorn correctly is vital because chokecherry is a valuable native species, whereas buckthorn is a highly aggressive invasive plant that can choke out your local ecosystem.
Walking through your back woodlot or examining a hedge line can often lead to a confusing botanical puzzle. Many homeowners find themselves staring at a wall of green, wondering if they are looking at a beneficial native plant or a destructive invader.
Mastering the chokecherry vs buckthorn debate is one of the most important skills for any DIY land manager or gardener. Telling them apart ensures you protect your local biodiversity while effectively removing plants that threaten your lawn’s health.
In this guide, I will walk you through the specific visual cues, ecological impacts, and removal strategies you need to manage these shrubs like a professional landscaper. You will learn how to spot the subtle differences in bark, berries, and buds to keep your landscape thriving.
Visual Identification Guide: chokecherry vs buckthorn
When you first approach a dense thicket, the similarities can be striking. Both plants produce dark berries and have similar leaf shapes at a distance. However, a closer look reveals distinct botanical characteristics that separate the two.
The most reliable way to distinguish them is by looking at how the leaves are attached to the stem. Chokecherry leaves are strictly alternate, meaning they stagger along the branch. Buckthorn leaves are often sub-opposite, meaning they are almost across from each other but slightly offset.
Another “pro tip” I always share is to look at the very tip of the twig. Common buckthorn usually ends in a sharp, terminal thorn. Chokecherry twigs are smooth and end in a pointed vegetative bud, never a thorn.
Leaf Margins and Veins
Examine the edges of the leaves closely. Chokecherry leaves have very fine, serrated teeth that point toward the tip of the leaf. These teeth are sharp and distinct if you look closely or use a magnifying glass.
Buckthorn leaves, on the other hand, have more rounded or crenate teeth. The veins on a buckthorn leaf also tend to curve upward toward the tip, a pattern known as arcuate venation. Chokecherry veins are more linear and reach toward the edges.
Bark and Stem Characteristics
The bark provides excellent clues, especially in the winter months. Young chokecherry bark is smooth and dark, often marked with small, horizontal white slits called lenticels. As it ages, it becomes rougher but retains a “cherry-like” appearance.
Buckthorn bark is also dark but often has a metallic or silvery sheen. If you take a small pocket knife and scratch the surface of a buckthorn branch, you will see a bright orange inner bark (the cambium layer). Chokecherry lacks this distinctive orange hue.
Why Correct Identification Matters for Your Landscape
Misidentifying these plants can lead to two major problems. You might accidentally remove a native chokecherry, which provides critical food for birds and pollinators. Or, you might allow buckthorn to spread, which can ruin your soil health.
Buckthorn is notorious for allelopathy. This means the plant releases chemicals into the soil that prevent other plants from growing nearby. This can lead to bare patches in your lawn or the death of your favorite perennials.
When comparing chokecherry vs buckthorn, remember that chokecherry is a “host plant.” It supports the larvae of various butterflies, including the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail. Buckthorn provides almost no nutritional value to local insects and can actually be toxic to some birds if consumed in high quantities.
The Problem with Buckthorn Berries
Buckthorn berries contain a chemical compound called emodin. This acts as a severe laxative for birds. While birds eat the berries, the seeds pass through them so quickly that the birds don’t get any nutrition, and the seeds are deposited far and wide with a fresh dose of fertilizer.
Chokecherry berries are quite different. While they are very tart (hence the name), they are a high-energy food source for migratory birds. Humans can even use them to make jellies and syrups, provided the pits are removed, as the pits contain trace amounts of cyanide-producing compounds.
Step-by-Step Removal of Invasive Buckthorn
If you have confirmed that your shrub is indeed buckthorn, you need a plan for mechanical or chemical removal. Simply cutting it down isn’t enough, as buckthorn is a vigorous re-sprouter. It will send up dozens of new shoots from the stump if not treated correctly.
For small saplings (less than one inch in diameter), you can often pull them by hand. I recommend doing this when the soil is moist, such as after a heavy rain. Using a tool like a weed wrench can provide the leverage needed to pull out the entire root system.
For larger specimens, follow these steps to ensure they don’t return:
- Cut the trunk: Use a sharp lopper or a hand saw to cut the main stem as close to the ground as possible.
- Apply herbicide: Immediately (within minutes) apply a concentrated glyphosate or triclopyr solution to the freshly cut stump. A small foam brush works best for precision.
- Monitor the site: Check the area the following spring for any missed seedlings or “suckers” emerging from the roots.
Always wear safety gear, including heavy-duty gloves and eye protection, when handling buckthorn. The thorns can easily puncture skin, and some people experience mild skin irritation from the sap.
Cultivating and Caring for Native Chokecherry
If you are lucky enough to have chokecherry on your property, you should encourage its growth. It is a hardy plant that adapts well to various soil types, though it prefers well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. It can serve as an excellent natural privacy screen or a backdrop for a pollinator garden.
To keep your chokecherry healthy, consider the following maintenance tips:
- Pruning: Remove dead or diseased wood in late winter while the plant is dormant. This prevents the spread of Black Knot fungus, a common issue for the Prunus genus.
- Mulching: Apply a two-inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch away from the actual trunk to prevent rot.
- Watering: While established chokecherries are drought-tolerant, young plants need consistent moisture during their first two growing seasons.
Chokecherries are also susceptible to tent caterpillars. While these look unsightly, they rarely kill a healthy tree. You can simply pull the nests out by hand or use a high-pressure water spray to knock them loose.
Common Pitfalls in the chokecherry vs buckthorn Comparison
One of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make is relying solely on the color of the berries. Both plants produce clusters of berries that turn from green to red and finally to a deep purple or black. Looking at the berries alone is not a foolproof method.
Instead, look at the arrangement of the berries. Chokecherry berries grow in long, drooping cylinders called racemes. Buckthorn berries grow in tight clusters directly along the stems, often nestled near the leaf axils.
Another pitfall is ignoring the smell of the twigs. If you break a small twig of a chokecherry, it will often have a bitter, almond-like scent. This is a classic trait of the cherry family. Buckthorn twigs do not have this distinctive aroma.
Seasonal Timing for Identification
Spring is the easiest time to identify these plants by their flowers. Chokecherry produces stunning, fragrant white blossoms in late May or early June. Buckthorn flowers are small, yellowish-green, and very easy to miss.
In the autumn, buckthorn stays green much longer than native plants. If you see a shrub that is still lush and green in November while everything else has turned brown or lost its leaves, there is a very high chance you are looking at an invasive species.
Essential Tools for Landscape Management
Managing your property effectively requires the right equipment. Whether you are pruning your natives or eradicating invasives, having sharp, high-quality tools makes the job safer and more efficient.
For identification, I recommend a 10x hand lens. This allows you to see the fine hairs on leaves or the structure of the lenticels on the bark. For removal, a pair of bypass pruners and a sturdy folding saw are indispensable.
If you are dealing with a large infestation of buckthorn, you might consider renting a brush mower. However, be careful not to mow over your native chokecherries. Flagging your native plants with bright survey tape before you start clearing can prevent costly mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chokecherry poisonous to dogs?
Yes, parts of the chokecherry plant, particularly the leaves and pits, contain cyanogenic glycosides. These can be toxic to dogs, horses, and livestock if consumed in large quantities. The fleshy part of the fruit is generally safe, but it’s best to keep pets away from the fallen debris.
Does buckthorn have any benefits?
In its native range in Europe and Asia, buckthorn has its place in the ecosystem. However, in North America, it has no natural predators and offers very little to local wildlife. It is considered a noxious weed in many states and should be removed whenever possible.
Can I use vinegar to kill buckthorn stumps?
While high-concentration horticultural vinegar can kill some foliage, it is rarely effective at killing the deep root system of a mature buckthorn. For permanent removal, professional-grade herbicides or complete root extraction are the most reliable methods.
How fast does chokecherry grow?
Chokecherry is a fast-growing shrub, often putting on 12 to 24 inches of height per year under ideal conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for homeowners looking to establish a quick windbreak or bird habitat.
What are the common questions regarding chokecherry vs buckthorn identification?
Most people ask about the thorns. If you see a small, sharp peg at the end of a branch, it is almost certainly buckthorn. If the branch ends in a soft bud and the leaves are perfectly alternate, you are likely looking at a chokecherry.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Green Space
Understanding the nuances of chokecherry vs buckthorn is more than just a botanical exercise; it is an essential part of responsible land stewardship. By protecting our native species and removing aggressive invaders, we create a healthier environment for ourselves and our local wildlife.
Take a walk through your property this weekend with a pair of pruners and this guide in hand. Identify your natives, mark your invasives, and start the process of restoring your landscape. Your local birds and pollinators will thank you for the effort.
Remember, gardening is a marathon, not a sprint. Even removing just a few buckthorn plants each season can make a massive difference in the long-term health of your soil and the beauty of your outdoor space. Start today and watch your garden thrive!
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