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