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Japanese Barberry Flower Wikimedia Commons
Berberidaceae

Japanese Barberry Flower

Berberis thunbergii

Protection and sharp boundaries.

Family
Berberidaceae
Genus
Berberis
Native to
Japan
Bloom season
Spring
Type
deciduous shrub
Height
60-180 cm
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Soil
adaptable, well-drained
Water
low to moderate
Hardiness
4-8
Lifespan
perennial

Did you know

  • Japanese barberry was introduced to the United States in 1875 as a replacement for European barberry, which harbored wheat rust.
  • The thorny branches make it an effective natural barrier, historically planted as a living fence.
  • Researchers have found that areas with dense Japanese barberry have higher tick populations due to the humid microclimate it creates.
  • The plant produces berberine, a bright yellow alkaloid compound currently studied for potential health benefits.
  • It is now considered invasive in much of eastern North America and several states have banned its sale.

Color meanings

0

protection

1

sharpness

2

caution

Uses

  • hedging
  • ornamental
  • barrier planting
  • erosion control