buckthorn ID from cross cut - Ask Extension
I've been removing a lot of buckthorn that I marked last fall based on the leaves. I'm wondering if it is also identifiable by the distinctive dark c...
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buckthorn ID from cross cut #628108
Asked April 27, 2020, 1:33 PM EDT
I've been removing a lot of buckthorn that I marked last fall based on the leaves. I'm wondering if it is also identifiable by the distinctive dark center surrounded by lighter rings when the wood is cut or if that pattern is found in other trees.
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
I learned something today researching your great question! The inner portion of the tree trunk is called the phloem. The coloring of the circles is based on what function that portion of the tree has as well as the growing conditions each year. All trees will have the varied colors and the variance is not based on species. Below is a link to some information about this.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/learn/trees/anatomy-of-tree
