It can be removed this fall or it may be beneficial to let it remain until spring. The fern growth will act to catch snow during the winter which will provide extra winter protection and moisture for next year's crop. Rhubarb foliage should also be allowed to remain until it dies down naturally. We have received lots of samples of this commonly found shrub this year. Common buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica is identified as a shrub or small tree with small, dark green, elliptical leaves, and produces clusters of small black fruit.
Many homeowners confuse the form with a crab apple.
The twigs also end in a small thorn. Apparently it was a good year for fruit production and lots of would-be jam and jelly makers are wondering if the fruit is safe to eat and use. Consequently, buckthorn seedlings are frequent weeds in many yards. Also, people that have other warm season grasses like zoysia or blue gramma will see their lawns browning up too. Some lawns have already turned brown.