Buckthorn & Loosestrife Control

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), and Glossy Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) are two species of non-native woody shrub, which are found throughout much of the United States, including Mahtomedi. Many residents are aware of and concerned about the prevalence of buckthorn in our neighborhoods and our parks. These exotic, invasive plant species spread vigorously through bird droppings, frequently from one parcel to another, and are pushing out native vegetation and reducing the viability of natural areas within our community.

Buckthorn Removal Guide

Members of the Mahtomedi Parks Commission, and other concerned residents are actively involved in efforts to identify and remove buckthorn plants, and we want to encourage you to get involved in this effort. To assist you, a Buckthorn Removal Guide (PDF) has been developed by the Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County, and is available to the public. Paper copies of the Guide are available at City Hall.

Purple Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is another exotic plant that is crowding out native plants and destroying natural wildlife habitat in many of our ponds and wetlands. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has a biological control program in place to combat purple loosestrife. It involves rearing beetles in the spring and releasing them into the wetland in July. The DNR provides training and a beetle rearing kit for interested people. For more information, contact:

Luke Skinner
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Purple Loosestrife Program
500 Lafayette Road
P.O. Box 25
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Phone: 651-296-2835
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Website