Dahurian Buckthorn: What You Should Know About This Non-Native Shrub
If you’ve stumbled across the name Dahurian buckthorn in your gardening research, you might be wondering whether this shrub deserves a spot in your landscape. Let’s dive into what we know about Rhamnus davurica davurica and help you make an informed decision for your garden.
What is Dahurian Buckthorn?
Dahurian buckthorn (Rhamnus davurica davurica) is a perennial shrub that typically grows as a multi-stemmed woody plant, usually staying under 13-16 feet tall. Like other members of the buckthorn family, it’s built to last, with several stems arising from or near the ground level.
You might also see this plant listed under its synonym Rhamnus citrifolia in some older gardening references, but don’t let that confuse you – it’s the same plant with a botanical name update.
Where Does It Come From and Where Is It Now?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit concerning from a native gardening perspective). Dahurian buckthorn isn’t native to North America – it’s an introduced species that has established itself in the wild across multiple regions. The davurica part of its name hints at its Asian origins, likely referring to the Dauria region.
Today, you can find this non-native shrub growing wild across a surprising range of locations, from Prince Edward Island in Canada down through states like Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Dakota.
- Species observed
- No observations
Should You Plant Dahurian Buckthorn?
This is where we need to have an honest conversation. While we don’t have definitive information about this plant’s invasive status, the fact that it’s a non-native species that has established itself across such a wide geographic range should give us pause.
As native gardening enthusiasts, we believe in working with nature rather than against it. Here’s what we recommend considering:
- Limited information is available about this specific plant’s garden performance and care requirements
- Its status as a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously in the wild suggests it might outcompete native plants
- We don’t have clear data on its benefits to local wildlife and pollinators
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of taking a chance with Dahurian buckthorn, why not consider some fantastic native alternatives? Depending on your region, you might explore:
- Native dogwood species for similar shrub structure
- Regional native berry-producing shrubs that support local wildlife
- Indigenous plants that have co-evolved with your local ecosystem
Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify the best native shrubs for your specific area and growing conditions.
The Bottom Line
While Dahurian buckthorn isn’t definitively labeled as invasive, its non-native status and ability to establish in the wild across diverse climates suggests it’s a plant that can take care of itself – perhaps a little too well. As gardeners who care about supporting local ecosystems, we’d recommend exploring native alternatives that will provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting the birds, bees, and other wildlife that call your area home.
Remember, every plant choice we make in our gardens is a vote for the kind of ecosystem we want to support. Why not cast your vote for the native team?