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Cornell University

Species: Berberis thunbergii

(burr'burr-iss thun-burr'jee-eye)

Berberis thunbergii

Japanese Barberry

Found on Course Walks

Native and Invasive Plants

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

None Listed

Cultivars

Numerous cultivars, varieties that produces little to no fruit (have much less chance of being invasive).

'Aurea', 'B. x mentorensis', 'Concorde', 'Crimson Pygmy', 'Golden Devine', 'Helmond', 'Red Bird', 'Red Chief', 'Rose Glow', 'Sunjoy Cinnamon', 'Sunjoy Citrus', 'Sunjoy Gold Beret', 'Sunjoy Gold Pillar', 'Sunjoy Mini Maroon', 'Sunjoy Mini Saffron', 'Sunjoy Mini Salsa', 'Sunjoy Sequins', 'Sunjoy Tangelo', 'Sunjoy Todo'

Ornamental Characteristics

Shrub 4 to 8 feet, Shrub < 4 feet

5' - 6'; (spread 6' - 8')

Deciduous

rounded shrub

deciduous, fine textured leaves; red fall color; red berries persist throughout fall; spiny stems

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun

4a

Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

tolerant of acid and alkaline soils; best in full sun; trouble free; air pollution tolerant

Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil; Prolonged periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

Bare Root Transplanting


Other

native to Japan; very common. INVASIVE IN NORTHEAST US

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
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