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Ecology and ecosystem impacts of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica): a review

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Abstract

In this review, we synthesize the current knowledge of the ecology and impacts of Rhamnus cathartica L., a shrub from Europe and Asia that is a successful invader in North America. Physiological studies have uncovered traits including shade tolerance, rapid growth, high photosynthetic rates, a wide tolerance of moisture and drought, and an unusual phenology that may give R. cathartica an advantage in the environments it invades. Its high fecundity, bird-dispersed fruit, high germination rates, seedling success in disturbed conditions, and secondary metabolite production may also contribute to its ability to rapidly increase in abundance and impact ecosystems. R. cathartica impacts ecosystems through changes in soil N, elimination of the leaf litter layer, possible facilitation of earthworm invasions, unsubstantiated effects on native plants through allelopathy or competition, and effects on animals that may or may not be able to use it for food or habitat.

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Acknowledgments

We thank everyone who shared with us their observations and unpublished studies as well as associate editor Dr Ingrid Parker and the anonymous reviewers whose suggestions greatly improved this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 100 Ecology Building, 1987 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul, MN, 55108, USA

    Kathleen S. Knight

  2. Division for Ecology and Conservation Science, Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA

    Jessica S. Kurylo

  3. Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 1101 W. Peabody, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA

    Anton G. Endress & J. Ryan Stewart

  4. Division of Biodiversity and Ecological Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey, 1816 S. Oak Street, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA

    Anton G. Endress

  5. Department of Forest Resources, University of Minnesota, 115 Green Hall, 1530 Cleveland Avenue N, St Paul, MN, 55108-6112, USA

    Peter B. Reich

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  1. Kathleen S. Knight
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  2. Jessica S. Kurylo
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Correspondence to Kathleen S. Knight.

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Knight, K.S., Kurylo, J.S., Endress, A.G. et al. Ecology and ecosystem impacts of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica): a review. Biol Invasions 9, 925–937 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-007-9091-3

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