I’M A WEED

Buckthorn

Buckthorn

Rhamnus alaternus

Large evergreen shrub to 5 m high densely branched from ground level. Leaves are serrated, leathery, lance-shaped, glossy dark-green above, paler below. Numerous clusters of small, pale green flowers
form on short stalks from August to September. Fruits are small rounded berries, red at first, turning black or brown, 0.5 cm long. Found from coastal dunes to inland wooded areas.

Buckthorn

Threat / Problem
• Serious environmental weed that can form dense thickets.
• Rapid growth outcompetes and displaces native plants.
• Often found on roadsides.

Spread
• Grows readily from seed. Fruit eaten and dispersed by birds and mammals, also spread in seed-contaminated soil and dumped garden waste.

Control
• Hand pull or grub small plants ensuring tap root is removed.
• Cut and swab medium plants any time.
• Drill and fill recommended for larger plants as may reshoot using cut and swab.

Follow-up is essential.

Buckthorn

GROW ME INSTEAD

Sea Box

Sea Box

Alyxia buxifolia

Very attractive shrub to 2 m high with thick, shiny, oval leaves, dark green upper surface, paler underside, 2-4 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. Clusters of up to 8 small white tubular fragrant flowers from October to February, followed by fleshy globular fruit which turn orange when mature, 0.8 cm in diameter, with a single seed. Can be hedged like English Box. Slow growing but long-lived.