Small tree growing in a planting to the northeast of the Horticulture building (on the lawn southeast of Bessey Hall).
The common buckthorn
is native to Europe and western and northern Asia. It was introduced for
hedge plantings, later escaping and becoming naturalized across much of
Iowa, where it is considered a primary noxious weed. Although the black
fruits are a strong laxative and cause nausea in humans, they are eaten
by birds. Although it is a tough, adaptable tree useful for planting in
areas where few others will survive, it must be planted only after careful
consideration, as it spreads rapidly by seed to areas where it is often
not wanted.
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