Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Invasive Plant Manual Common Name: Japanese Barberry

Japanese barberry poses a significant threat to natural areas due to its popularity as a landscape shrub, ability to tolerate full shade, and the dispersal of its prolific seeds by birds. It belongs to the Berberidaceae (Barberry) family, which is represented by one genus in our area. Origin and Distribution Barberry was introduced to the United States in 1864 as an ornamental. It is prevalent in the northeastern states, but can be found from Nova Scotia and Michigan to North Carolina, Missouri, Height: This multi-branched dense shrub grows to 2.5 m (8.2 ft). Seedlings may grow 2-4 ft in one season. Leaves: The semi-evergreen leaves are alternate, or grow in alternate clusters. They are entire, and 1-3 cm (0.4-1.2 in) long. Leaves are bright green to burgundy, and wedge-shaped at the base. Stems: Twigs are brown, three-ridged downward from the node, with simple thorns. Inner bark and wood are yellow. Flowers: Flowers are solitary or in umbel-like clusters, corolla yellow, 8-10 mm (0.3-0.4 in) broad. Blooms March-April. Fruits: Berries are red, ellipsoid to globular, 8-10 mm (0.3-0.4 in) long, and often present through winter. Frui