Eastern Forest Threat Center - Japanese Barberry

Japanese barberry is a compact, deciduous shrub that grows 2 to 3 ft. tall. Single spines bear small leaves in their axils. Leaves are smooth-edged, oval to spoon-shaped, and are clustered in tight bunches close to the branches. Yellow flowers bloom in May, are about 1/3 in. wide, and are solitary or in small clusters of 2-4 blossoms. Bright red fruits mature in mid-summer and hang from the bush during autumn and into winter. The berries are small, oblong, and found singly or in clusters. Japanese barberry regenerates by seeds eaten and distributed by birds and rabbits and by creeping roots. Branches root freely when they touch the ground, allowing single plants to become quite large. Japanese barberry prefers well-drained soils, although it has been found in wet, calcareous situations (specifically in a black ash swamp). It is typically found in locations of partial sunlight, such as a forest edge, and can survive well under the shade of an oak canopy. It is also found along roadsides, fences, old fields, and open woods. Plants shade out other understory species. Recent research studies indicate that Japanese barberry changes the soil chemistry in the environment it inhabits.

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