WSU Clark County Extension
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Japanese Barberry

Scientific name: Berberis thunbergii
Taxonomy
Family:Berberidaceae
Type:Deciduous shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:6 ft
Width:8 ft
Bloom:Spring flowers
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Japanese Barberry is widely utilized in the home landscape for its adaptability, and bright crisp foliage.

  Morphology:
Japanese Barberry is a deciduous shrub which grows to a height of up to 6’ and may extend out to 8’ in width in a dense rounded form. It bears bright green obovate leaves which vary in length from 0.5" to 1.25", and in width from .25”-.5”. Leaves are arranged in an alternate fashion upon the stems in a zig-zag pattern. In the fall the green leaves can turn to shades of red, orange and yellow

Pale-yellow flowers form in April and May. They are typically .33” wide. Flowers give rise to egg-shaped berries which are up to .33” long. These turn a bright red color in October and persist well into the winter providing food for the song-birds.

Thorns are formed at every node, making this shrub useful for barrier plantings.

  Adaptation:
Well adapted to most soil types. Considered drought tolerant once established.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234