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What plant is this? #931920

Asked May 16, 2026, 3:38 PM EDT

We would like to know what type of shrub this is, which is growing near the alley behind our house. Google lens alternately identifies it as common buckthorn and as a type of viburnum. If buckthorn, we’d like to remove it, but if it’s something else, we’d like to learn how to nurture and prune it. Thanks!

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Hi John,

This is buckthorn. Sorry!

Thanks for the question.

MJ Replied May 16, 2026, 3:44 PM EDT

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What plant is this? #931920

Expert Response

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