Japanese barberry
(Berberis thunbergii)
General description:
A low-growing (2-3’ tall), dense, spiny shrub with small oval green leaves that turn reddish brown in fall. Plants have single sharp spines at each node and small, bright red, oblong berries.
Ecological threat:
- Shade tolerant, drought resistant, and adaptable to a variety of open and wooded habitats, wetlands, old fields and disturbed areas.
- It forms dense stands in natural habitats, dominating the forest understory by shading out native plants and changing foraging habits of wildlife.
- Spreads vegetatively though horizontal branches that root freely when they touch ground.
- Research shows infested forests have higher rates of Lyme disease carrying ticks.
- White-tailed deer avoid browsing barberry due to the spines, preferring to feed on native plants, giving it a competitive advantage.
- Prefers well drained soils and sunny habitats, but will survive and produce fruit in even heavily shaded environments.
- Very invasive and widespread across Eastern United States and the Midwest.
- Cultivars are widely planted as ornamentals.
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