Common Buckthorn Blitz

This statewide effort is an opportunity for EVERYONE to help identify and report common buckthorn across Montana from now until winter sets in.

This targeted Blitz is a coordinated effort to look for and document a particular species over a broad area. Our goal is to increase awareness of common buckthorn and improve early detection by documenting where it is found.

Common buckthorn is an invasive woody plant that can displace native vegetation, alter wildlife habitat, and establish dense stands that are difficult and costly to manage. It is often planted or persists near communities, old homesteads, shelterbelts, parks, riparian areas, and other disturbed sites.

Fall is an especially useful time to look for common buckthorn. It often holds its green leaves later into the season than many native trees and shrubs, making it stand out after surrounding vegetation has begun to drop leaves. Late-season green foliage is a helpful clue—but please take a closer look and use the identification resources before reporting.

 How to participate

  • Learn how to identify common buckthorn using the identification video link at https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/Buckthorn-Blitz-ID-Video-1.mp4 
  • Keep an eye out this fall, especially in towns, parks, shelterbelts, riparian corridors, wooded areas, old yards, fencelines, roadsides, and other disturbed areas.
  • Report sightings on iNaturalist, these will go to the Common Buckthorn Blitz iNaturalist project.
  • You may also report sightings through EDDMapS.org 
  • If preferred, report suspected observations to your local weed coordinator or Josh Wagoner with the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Early Detection and Rapid Response program.
  • Include clear photos and a precise location whenever possible so observations can be reviewed and followed up on.
  • Get competitive! Awards/prizes/bragging rights will go to the top 3 individuals who document the most observations from now through December 1, 2026!

Ongoing early detection

The Blitz is a focused opportunity, but invasive-species reporting should not stop when the event ends or be limited to common buckthorn. If you see an unfamiliar plant, insect, animal, or other potentially invasive organism, please document it with photographs and location information and report it. Early detection gives Montana the best chance to respond before a new invader becomes widespread.

This effort is supported by Montana’s Woody Invasive Working Group. For additional identification resources, management information, and updates, visit woodyinvasives.mt.gov.

Thank you for helping protect Montana’s landscapes, native plant communities, wildlife habitat, and working lands.

 

Upcoming Agriculture and Natural Resources Educational Opportunities!

Click for "Montana Cattle Academy" Nov 18 & 19 in Miles City 

Find a self-paced online course for Soil Fertility specially geared toward gardeners and small acreage owners at learn.montana.edu. This course is $50.