BUCKTHORN BARK POWDER

Rhamnus frangula (commonly referred to as Glossy Buckthorn, Alder Buckthorn, Breaking Buckthorn and Black Dogwood) is a tall deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is an invasive species in North America, especially in the Northeastern United States and is expected to continue to expand its North American range with time. Rhamnus Frangula is a tall deciduous shrub, sometimes referred to as a small tree, that grows up to 6 m (20 ft) tall and 4.5 m (15 ft) wide. Leaves are ovate, 4-5′ long by 3-4′ wide, arranged oppositely or whorled on stem. The flowers are small, greenish-white, hermaphroditic, and insect pollinated, flowering in mid-June. Fruit is small black berries that drop in late summer to early fall. Individual plants can produce as many as 400-1800 fruits with three seeds each. Seeds are dispersed by birds and mice, but many seeds simply fall to the ground underneath the parent, creating a dense local population.