How to Identify and Classify Buckthorn Trees
  • 1. What is the most common way buckthorn is identified?
A) Sharp thorns
B) Smooth bark
C) Alternate leaf arrangement
D) Opposite leaf arrangement
  • 2. What is the typical leaf shape of common buckthorn?
A) Oval
B) Heart-shaped
C) Compound
D) Needle-like
  • 3. How are the leaves of common buckthorn arranged on the branches?
A) Whorled
B) Opposite
C) Basal
D) Alternate
  • 4. What color are the berries of common buckthorn when ripe?
A) Red
B) Green
C) Yellow
D) Black
  • 5. Common buckthorn berries typically contain how many seeds?
A) Many
B) 2
C) 4
D) 1
  • 6. What is the bark of mature common buckthorn trees typically like?
A) Green and peeling
B) Dark gray with lenticels
C) Covered in thorns
D) Smooth and white
  • 7. What is the scientific name for common buckthorn?
A) Fraxinus americana
B) Salix alba
C) Acer negundo
D) Rhamnus cathartica
  • 8. What is one defining characteristic of glossy buckthorn's leaves?
A) Spiny edges
B) Lack of teeth
C) Deep lobes
D) Prominent teeth
  • 9. How are glossy buckthorn leaves arranged on the branches?
A) Opposite
B) Alternate
C) Whorled
D) Basal
  • 10. What color are the berries of glossy buckthorn when ripe?
A) Yellow
B) Dark purple to black
C) Red
D) Green
  • 11. What is the scientific name for glossy buckthorn?
A) Quercus alba
B) Acer platanoides
C) Frangula alnus
D) Rhamnus cathartica
  • 12. Which of these characteristics best describes glossy buckthorn bark?
A) Rough and deeply furrowed
B) Grayish-brown with prominent lenticels
C) Smooth and white
D) Bright green
  • 13. Compared to common buckthorn, glossy buckthorn is more tolerant of what?
A) Full sun
B) Dry soil
C) Shade
D) Flooding
  • 14. Which of the following is a typical habitat for buckthorn?
A) Alpine meadows
B) Deserts
C) Disturbed areas
D) Old growth forests
  • 15. What is a significant ecological impact of buckthorn?
A) Provides habitat for endangered species
B) Outcompetes native vegetation
C) Prevents soil erosion
D) Enhances biodiversity
  • 16. What is the term for plants that displace native species?
A) Native
B) Endangered
C) Beneficial
D) Invasive
  • 17. What is one common method of buckthorn control?
A) Planting more buckthorn
B) Cutting and herbicide application
C) Watering regularly
D) Fertilizing heavily
  • 18. Why is buckthorn difficult to eradicate?
A) Slow growth rate
B) Susceptible to many diseases
C) Requires specific soil conditions
D) Prolific seed production
  • 19. Which of these is NOT a distinguishing feature of buckthorn?
A) Opposite leaf arrangement on common buckthorn
B) Black berries in the fall
C) Alternate leaf arrangement on glossy buckthorn
D) Thorny branches on glossy buckthorn
  • 20. How can you differentiate between male and female buckthorn plants?
A) They are indistinguishable
B) By leaf shape
C) By bark color
D) By examining flower structures
  • 21. What type of soil does buckthorn typically prefer?
A) Highly acidic soil
B) Well-drained soil
C) Rocky soil
D) Saturated soil
  • 22. What is a characteristic growth habit of buckthorn?
A) Single, straight trunk
B) Vine
C) Multi-stemmed shrub or small tree
D) Ground cover
  • 23. Which tree species can be confused with buckthorn?
A) Dogwood
B) Oak
C) Pine
D) Birch
  • 24. What time of year are buckthorn berries most visible?
A) Spring
B) Summer
C) Winter
D) Fall
  • 25. What is the purpose of lenticels on buckthorn bark?
A) Support for climbing vines
B) Protection from insects
C) Water storage
D) Gas exchange
  • 26. What is the best time to cut down buckthorn for control?
A) Summer
B) Any time
C) Spring
D) Late fall or winter
  • 27. What is the meaning of 'cathartica' in the scientific name 'Rhamnus cathartica'?
A) Strong
B) Purgative
C) Beautiful
D) Poisonous
  • 28. What kind of flowers does common buckthorn have?
A) Bright red flowers
B) Fragrant white flowers
C) Small, greenish-yellow
D) Large, showy flowers
  • 29. Why is it important to control buckthorn?
A) To improve the buckthorn's health
B) To increase soil erosion
C) To promote native plant growth
D) To provide food for invasive species
  • 30. What is a good native replacement for buckthorn?
A) Burning bush
B) Japanese barberry
C) Serviceberry
D) Norway maple
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