Chicago's Concrete Jungle (with Trees!)
So, you wanna know what tree is dominating the Chicago skyline? Well, let me tell you, it's not a skyscraper or a deep-dish pizza. It's a tree! And not just any tree, but the champion of all tree-dom in the Windy City.
The Unsung Hero of the Urban Forest
Drumroll, please... the European buckthorn. Yep, you heard it right. This unassuming, often overlooked shrub (okay, it can be a tree too) has managed to outsmart, outgrow, and out-populate every other leafy green thing in Chicago. It's like the Brad Pitt of the plant world, but without the charm and Angelina Jolie.
How did this happen? Well, it’s a tale as old as time (or at least as old as European settlers). These buckthorn buddies were introduced to North America as ornamental plants, probably because someone thought they were fancy or something. Little did they know, they were unleashing a green-fingered monster. Buckthorn is like that annoyingly good-looking kid in high school who always gets the best grades and the hottest dates.
Buckthorn: The Overachiever
It’s a survivalist. It can grow in crappy soil, it loves shade, and it produces a ton of berries that birds absolutely adore. So, birds eat the berries, poop out the seeds, and voila! More buckthorn. It's like an endless cycle of buckthorn domination.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not hating on the buckthorn. It’s a survivor, and that's something to admire. Plus, it provides food and shelter for wildlife. But let's be real, it's kind of hogging the spotlight.
So, the next time you’re strolling through a Chicago park and you see a seemingly innocent green bush, think twice. It might just be the overachieving, world-dominating European buckthorn.
How to Become a Buckthorn Expert (Just Kidding!)
- How to identify a buckthorn: Look for oval-shaped leaves with finely toothed edges and a glossy appearance. The bark is usually gray and smooth.
- How to control buckthorn: This is a job for professionals or very dedicated gardeners. There are various methods, from manual removal to herbicide application.
- How to appreciate other trees: Take a moment to admire the native trees that are struggling to compete with the buckthorn. They deserve some love too!
- How to support local tree initiatives: Many organizations are working to restore native plant communities. Consider volunteering or donating to help their cause.
- How to enjoy nature: Despite the buckthorn takeover, Chicago still has plenty of beautiful green spaces. Get outside and enjoy them!
