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  3. Evergreen buckthorn
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Management programme
Eradication
Objectives
Reduce the level of infestation of evergreen buckthorn within the Waikato region to zero density to prevent adverse effects and impacts.
Impacts
Biodiversity, social and cultural wellbeing, amenity/recreation

Evergreen buckthorn, native to the Mediterranean, is a hardy evergreen shrub or tree originally introduced to New Zealand as an ornamental plant. It has separate male and female plants which have slowed its spread to date. It can tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions and where it establishes it can quickly take over, changing the structure of native ecosystems. It’s a serious threat to coastal areas as it can form thick stands and impede native plant regeneration.

Image - Evergreen buckthorn

What does it look like?

Evergreen buckthorn is a shrub or small tree which grows 5m-10m tall (although can be less than 1m tall on exposed sites). It can be distinguished from native species by the two small indents at the base of the back of the leaf and the ‘buckthorns’ (matching bumps) on the top of its leaves.

Flowers

  • Flowers are small (3mm-4mm in diameter), green and fragrant.
  • They have no petals and grow in small clusters.
  • Flowering from May to November.

Fruit/seeds

  • Individual plants are usually separate gender (male or female).
  • Fruit (berries) are up to 7mm long.
  • Berries grow in clusters and are a glossy dark red in colour.
  • Berries form a stone and turn black when ripe.

Leaves/stems

  • The leathery leaves vary in appearance, but are usually dark green, glossy on top, oval and up to 6cm long.
  • Leaf edges can be smooth or have blunt or sharp teeth.
  • Young shoots are angular, hairy, and usually purple.

Why is it a pest?

Evergreen buckthorn poses a serious threat to coastal vegetation. It competes strongly with native coastal species and can restrict access to recreational areas.

Evergreen buckthorn’s tolerance of drought, shade, frost, poorly drained soils and exposed sites means it can colonise a wide range of habitats, including coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops, stream and forest margins and disturbed forests and plantation areas. It can form dense colonies, altering the structure of native ecosystems in a short period of time.

Common in Auckland and on the islands of the Hauraki Gulf, evergreen buckthorn is limited in the Waikato region to only a few localised infestations in Hamilton, Te Kauwhata, Raglan and on the Coromandel Peninsula. It is important to identify and destroy any infestations of this pest plant to prevent it from spreading further.

Responsibility for control

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for the control of evergreen buckthorn within the Waikato region. If you think you’ve seen it, call us.  

All persons shall inform Waikato Regional Council of the presence of evergreen buckthorn in the Waikato region, within five working days of the presence first being suspected (rule NGB-1 of the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan 2022-2023), and to liaise with the Waikato Regional Council in areas where control programmes are in place.

If evergreen buckthorn is present on a property that is to be subdivided or developed, there are additional rules and requirements that apply under section 6.6 of the RPMP 2022-2032.

Evergreen buckthorn is also banned from being sold, propagated, distributed, or included in commercial displays.

Important

Control methods

Do not attempt to control evergreen buckthorn yourself.

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for controlling evergreen buckthorn and it is illegal for anyone else to disturb, remove or transport evergreen buckthorn plants.

More information

Advice

For additional information and advice on evergreen buckthorn, call our pest plant staff on freephone 0800 800 401.

Publications 

The following publications are available for download or from Waikato Regional Council. Contact us to request a copy (freephone 0800 800 401).