Japanese barberry is an invasive plant. An invasive plant is a plant species that is non-native to the location being considered and whose presence and spread negatively impacts (or is likely to impact) ecological, economic, or human health.
This plant spreads by seed. It is native to Asia, but was introduced into the United States as a landscape shrub. It is still sold in some areas. Japanese barberry is found throughout much of the eastern United States and into the Great Plains. Birds eat the fruit and can spread the seeds at a great distance from the original plant. Japanese barberry can also form large thickets in both wooded and open areas. These dense thickets can prevent native species from growing and will limit plant diversity. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this plant is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.
There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of Japanese barberry. More desirable species may be found using the Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on this species, and make sure that this plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes atmortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Barberry
- Family (botanic) Berberidaceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Small shrub (3-5 feet), Medium shrub (5-8 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Dry sites
- Flower color and fragrance Yellow
- Shape or form Mounded, Round, Thicket-forming
- Growth rate Moderate
