Creeping Barberry

Creeping Mahonia

Berberis amplectens

BEHR-ber-is am-PLECT-ens
8 to 12 in.
to 3 ft., spreads by underground stems

low

yellow

May

8 to 12 in.

to 3 ft., spreads by underground stems

Yes

western United States

full sun to part shade

USDA zones 5-8

hardy to 10,000 ft.

Creeping barberry is a low-growing Rocky Mountain native shrub. It is mainly grown as a groundcover since it spreads through underground stems. This shrub has spiny, leathery evergreen leaves that turn red in fall. In spring, it produces clusters of yellow flowers that turn into dark blue berries.

It can grow under the shade of ponderosa pine trees if given extra water periodically. 

low

yellow

May

8 to 12 in.

to 3 ft., spreads by underground stems

Yes

western United States

full sun to part shade

USDA zones 5-8

hardy to 10,000 ft.

Creeping barberry has grown at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden for many years. It has performed best in part-shade locations to protect the leaves from drying out in the winter. It looks great planted with pasque flower, which blooms about the same time. 

None generally needed.