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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] Japanese maples/Buckthorn

In a message dated 98-03-14 12:18:34 EST, you write:

<< There also was a substitute plant (for Japanese Maples) which looked good
in the Bayside Expo setting.  It was a rhamnus frangula 'Asplenifolia'.  This
shrub or small tree is zone 4 hardy and provides the lacy look of a J. acer.
It was entirely new to me and I am ordering one.
 It is recommended to provide the "dappled shade" so wanted. >>

Hi Claire,

That shrub sounds like a nice one for our cold areas, but I wonder if it could
cause problems, being it's a Buckthorn.  In MN we have such a big problem with
Buckthorns, especially Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) which was
labelled a SEVERE threat in 1991, and even the local nurseries have agreed to
stop selling Columnar Buckthorn.  One of the fact sheets put out by the MN
Dept of Ag. says that even Alder or Fen Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) endangers
our native woodlands, wetlands and savannas because they are invasive and tend
to grow in large colonies, displacing native plant communities in a relatively
short time.

The fruit causes a severe laxative effect, readily distributing its seeds when
eaten by birds. (Wasn't that nicely put, huh?) The seeds are viable for
several years.

Now, this fact sheet did not mention the cultivar 'Asplenifolia' so maybe it's
not a problem or maybe Buckthorn is not a problem in NY.  Does anyone here
know if
R. f. 'Asplenifolia' will cause any problems?  If not, I'd like to try it
myself.

Last fall I went around girdling all the Buckthorn in the small woods behind
our house.  I'm anxious to see how effective my efforts were...girdling is the
recommended way of killing it according to some of our master gardeners here
who have been trying to control it for several years.

Thanks for any input on this,
Cindy Johnson
White Bear Lake, MN
zone 4a
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