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