Cascara buckthorn

Cascara buckthorn is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 4.5 metres tall.

Description

• Leaves are oval, dark green and hairy underneath with prominent veins (10-15 pairs).

• Flowers are small, greenish-yellow with five petals that bloom in spring.

• Fruits are berry like, small, round and black when ripe.

• Seeds are dispersed by birds.

• Habitats include understory of forests and along streamsides.

What you need to know

Cascara buckthorn forms dense stands, preventing the recruitment of native vegetation.

Management approach

Cascara buckthorn is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of cascara buckthorn yourself. Report any sightings to us.