Japanese Barberry

Berberis thunbergii

BUR-bur-is thun-BERJ-ee-eye
4 to 6 ft.
4 to 6 ft.
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low

pale yellow

late spring to early summer

4 to 6 ft.

4 to 6 ft.

No

Japan

sun

USDA zones 4-8

hardy to 7,500 ft.

Japanese Barberry is a dense, round shrub with sharply spined stems. The pale yellow flowers are small and hidden under the leaves. Its small leaves are medium green in summer, turning yellow in fall. The flowers mature into red fruit. The stems and thorns are reddish-brown.

Japanese barberry grows best in full sun, and will tolerate a variety of soils. Many cultivars have been developed, many with burgundy and lime green leaves. This is an adaptable shrub, commonly used in the Colorado Springs area. It has become invasive in the northeast US, but has not become a problem in Colorado.

low

pale yellow

late spring to early summer

4 to 6 ft.

4 to 6 ft.

No

Japan

sun

USDA zones 4-8

hardy to 7,500 ft.

Several of these shrubs are growing in the low water zone at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. They have been resilient to drought. In addition, the fruit is showy and remains throughout the winter.

Prune out dead branches as needed.