In the late nineteenth century, Ontario farmers thought fondly of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), a small, shrubby tree brought here from its native range in Europe and Asia. It grows quickly, forming dense thickets that make excellent windbreaks and hedgerows. As an added benefit, it was considered medicine for various conditions including constipation and rheumatism. As farming spread throughout Ontario so did buckthorn, framing fields throughout the province.

In the late 19th century, Ontario farmers thought fondly of common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), a small, shrubby tree brought here from its native range in Europe and Asia.