2008-12-03 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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How Big Is Your Back Yard? The big impact of a little buckthorn Control of invasive species such as buckthorn costs Minnesota state parks, scientific and natural areas, and other natural lands tens of thousands of dollars every year. For example, in two years Myre-Big Island State Park spent more than $30,000 to control buckthorn, honeysuckle, and Siberian elm. Does it make a difference at Afton State Park, say, if an invasive exotic such as European buckthorn is planted in your back yard? Yes. No park is an island (well, so to speak anyway). Along with the wind, birds are the primary transporters of berries and seed. Because of buckthorn's cathartic effect, a bird picking up a berry in LeRoy would not make it a hundred miles away to Afton before expelling that berry, but it could certainly deposit it a mile away in Lake Louise State Park. European buckthorn infests most state parks and natural areas in or near cities. It was, and still is, planted as hedgerows and ornamental trees. Selecting plant materials native to your landscape region helps ensure that what gets picked up and carried away by a bird, an animal, or the wind will not result in the loss of a natural community down the road or across the state. To volunteer to help with control efforts, or to get a copy of fact sheets on exotic species, call the DNR Information Center or visit the DNR web site. --Kathryn E. Bolin DNR Resource Management Specialist Landscaping Without Buckthorn Native shrubs add more color and beauty throughout the seasons Red Cedar An evergreen with dense foliage and sharp needles, red cedar has several different growth forms, from columnar to low and spreading. This tree can exceed 30 feet, but is normally less than 20. It does best in dry sites. Northern white cedar Also known as arborvitae, this evergreen has dense foliage. Many horticultural varieties of arborvitae are available, including columnar forms. The size depends on the variety. This tree grows well in wet or dry habitats. Speckled alder This multi stemmed, upright species grows well in wet or dry areas, occasionally reaching a height of more than 20 feet. It is one of the few deciduous trees that has cones. Its cones and catkins add visual interest. Unfortunately, nurseries do not commonly stock this tree.