Submit field observations of diseased or dying buckthorn

May 21, 2024

Help MITPPC researchers this season by reporting observations of diseased or dying buckthorn. There are two ongoing research projects to study:  (1) the effects of crown rust (Puccinia spp.) on common buckthorn, and (2) the mortality of glossy and common buckthorn due to canker, wilt, and root-rot fungi.

If you see occurrences of either of these situations in the field, please submit your observations using the forms linked below. Submissions go directly to the researchers.

Crown rust on common buckthorn

Crown rust is caused by a fungal pathogen that infects the leaves, stems, and other tissue of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). Crown rust typically appears as yellow to orange spots or lesions on the plant.

crown rust on buckthorn
Crown rust on stems and leaves of common buckthorn
crown rust on buckthorn
Crown rust on various tissue of common buckthorn

Report crown rust on common buckthorn

Diseased or dying buckthorn

Glossy and common buckthorn (Frangula alunus and Rhamnus cathartica) that are stressed or dying from fungi have varying characteristics. Trees may be completely dead; mostly dead, but re-sprouting near the ground; or mostly alive, but the top portion of stems are dead. 

There may be cankered tissue running along the length of the stem, or diseased/dead inner bark that is brown. Healthy inner bark is orange. You can strip off a small section of bark to confirm the presence of diseased tissue.

Diseased or dead buckthorn stems that are blackened
Diseased or dead buckthorn stems that are blackened
canker on buckthorn stem
Unhealthy, brown, cankered tissue running along the length of the stem
Healthy inner bark of buckthorn is orange
Healthy inner bark of buckthorn is orange


Report diseased or dying buckthorn

More information