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Buckthorn growing within other plants #946420

Asked October 03, 2026, 1:25 PM EDT

Is there any way to kill buckthorn growing within another plants without killing the other plant? I have 3 ninebark shrubs that have buckthorn growing up within or around the roots of the ninebark. Similarly, I have the same thing happening with my most beautiful peony. (See attached photos) I am hoping to save the ninebarks and the peony, but am not sure how to get rid of the buckthorn. I have been afraid to simply cut it back as I have read that can make it grow back worse that I have it now. Any suggestions appreciated!

St. Louis County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
At that size just pull them out and keep pulling them out until they die of lack of sunlight.  It took three years to eradicate buckthorn on my lot. Every year I pull out new seedlings. 
Larger buckthorns can be extracted with a root puller. But yours can and must come out by hand.
Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County, (I am a volunteer human being: not a bot, not AI). I'm an avid gardener but not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I will do much better if you also send a photograph. I like follow-up questions.  The University' garden soil tests are excellent.  https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is how to find a tree expert.  https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional  A Directory of ISA certified arborists is at https://certificates.directory.isa-arbor.com/  The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum  Ask a Master Gardener is a public service of the University of MInnesota's Extension Division.  Please donate if we make you happy.  https://give.umn.edu/gardener Replied October 03, 2026, 2:12 PM EDT

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