WSU Clark County Extension
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Wintergreen Barberry

Scientific name: Berberis julianae
Taxonomy
Family:Berberidaceae
Type:Evergreen shrubs
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:6 to 8
Sun:Full to partial sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:4 ft
Width:6 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:April to May
Bloom Color:Yellow
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Wintergreen Barberry is often grown for its dense branches and has extremely sharp, three-parted spines which can help turn a group of plants into a formidable barrier hedge.

  Morphology:
This evergreen shrub grows 4’-6’ and 6’-8’ wide. It features alternate, simple, lustrous dark green leaves 2 to 4” long and 0.5” wide. They are arranged 5 to a whorl and have spiny, serrated edges. During the fall the leaves can turn a pleasing wine-red color.

Abundant yellow flowers first appear in April and extend into late May and have a faint buttery scent. Flowers give rise to 1/3” diameter oval bluish-black berries which are attractive to song birds during the winter.

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.

  Adaptation:
This species grows in full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic ones. It is considered to be drought tolerant.

It may be appropriate not to plant Wintergreen Barberry where small children are present due to the thorns.

If multiple plants are planted to form a hedge be sure to leave the base wider than the top.

  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