Japanese Barberry ..... A Multi Use Plant
By Bill hirst, Tue Jan 10th
Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii)
DESCRIPTION: Japanese barberry is a compact, shrub with sharpspines, that commonly grows from two to three feet tall. Itsroots are shallow and tough. The smooth-edged leaves range fromoval to spatulate in shape and are clustered in tight bunchesclose to the branches of the plant. There are yellow flowerswhich bloom in May and are about one third of an inch wide,solitary or in small clusters of 2-4 blossoms. The bright-redfruits mature in mid-summer on the bush and remain into autumnand the winter. The berries are small and found singly or inclusters. We sell several cultivars of this species asornamentals. These plants have good deer resistance. Smallthorns act as an invisable barrier to deer. Once they encounterthis plant, they nearly have to starve to be found eating them.
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT: All barberries prefers well-drainedsoils, although it has been found in wet soils. Barberies aretypically found in locations of partial sunlight such as awoodland's edge. Barberies can survive well under the shade ofan oak tree canopy. It is also found along roadsides, fences,old fields, and open woods. These plants can and do escape andare invasive.
Japanese barberry was introduced from Japan. It is commonlyplanted for ornamental value (its scarlet fruit and autumnalfoliage make it an attractive hedge), as well as for wildlifeand erosion control. It easily naturalizes because its fruit isoften eaten by birds, which subsequently disperse the seeds. Theplant reproduces by seed and creeping roots. Wildlife is knownto eat the seeds and distribute barberies. Branches can rootfreely when they touch the ground or get covered by leaveswhichallows single plants to become quite large.
If your landscape is dominated by a sea of green plants,barberries will add striking color options. Besides being toughand deer resistant, they are easy to transplant. Barberries havemuch to offer. Barberries are drought resistant, pest free,andcome in many striking colors.
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