Berberis canadensis

American barberry is a native, medium-sized, deciduous shrub in the Berberidaceae family found in nature on rocky slopes of hills and mountains and near streams and woodlands. While relatively rare, it can be found in the mountains and Piedmont areas of North Carolina.  Berberis is a Latinized form of the Arabian name for barberry. Canadensis means "from Canada."

American barberry is an upright plant, sparingly, but multi-branched with long branches and short lateral branchlets. It often suckers and forms colonies. It is a hardy plant that tolerates poor and clay soils with a higher pH and dry to moist conditions. It will grow 3 to 6 feet tall in full sun to partial shade.

The shrub blooms in spring with dangling clusters of small yellow flowers. The leaves are green and leathery with spiny margins. The stems have a group of three spines at the nodes. In fall, the oblong edible tart red fruits appear and attract birds.

Use this shrub as a hedge, for security or in borders. Use in the native and pollinator/bird-friendly gardens.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: This species is an alternate host for Puccinia graminis, which causes stem rust of wheat, barley, oats, and other cereal crops. Watch for leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rusts. Watch for aphids, scale, and whiteflies.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Berberis.