For the past two months, while working on a grant driven restoration project for the Winooski Valley Park District, I encountered the worst Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) infestation I've seen. One advantage of this (in terms of the old learning curve, not so great for the landscape) was seeing this species in all stages of maturity and development. Being the helpful soul I am, I thought I'd post some pics for winter identification of this somewhat lesser known and less abundant of the buckthorns. First, here's a very good pic of the bark of mature glossy:
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When it's younger, and in certain situations, the bark can look like the bark of many other tree and shrub species such as winterberry holly, the cherries, and ash, but this is a faithful image of mature stems. Next, here's a great closeup of a glossy bud, which really helps with winter ID:
Another defining characteristic great for winter ID is the sub-opposite branching, which is usually pretty clear and obvious. The definitive identification characteristic, though, is the maroon, almost crimson roots which can sometimes be covered in dirt (go figure....) but will always show that color. By the time you're checking this, of course, the plant is dug up and done for but if you use the bark, buds, and branching pattern as guides you'll be right almost all of the time, and the few times you're not become, of course, useful learning experiences. Finally, getting glossy out of the ground as soon as possible is very important as this species can start producing berries as young as 2-3 years, and they are prolific seeders that will quickly spread and dominate a system. Plus, they'll grow almost anywhere except in standing water., the little so-and-so's. So as you walk through your land or forest keep an eye out for these little buggers; like all the invasive species once you see and get used to seeing them they'll stand out like sore thumbs. Happy hunting.....
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