Berberis eurybracteata
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Mahonia eurybracteata
- Phonetic Spelling
- BER-ber-is YUR-ree-brak-tee-ay-tuh
- Description
-
Barberry is a broadleaf evergreen shrub, endemic to China, that is drought tolerant and does well in urban conditions. This slow-growing plant has a tiering habit and cane-like growth with a tendency to sucker and form colonies. It needs well-drained soil and does best in full sun, though it tolerates partial shade.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Leaf spots, rust, and leaf scorch from sun/wind. Chlorosis on high pH soils; leaves can look burned but stems will regrow leaves next spring.
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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Soft Caress'
- 'Soft Caress'
- 'Soft Caress'
- Tags:






- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- 'Soft Caress'
- 'Soft Caress'
- 'Soft Caress'
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Berberis
- Species:
- eurybracteata
- Family:
- Berberidaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China
- Distribution:
- Southern and Central China
- Edibility:
- Not poisonous, but berries contain berberine that can cause stomach upset, especially with children.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Coarse
- Appendage:
- Spines
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-
Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Black
- Blue
- Purple/Lavender
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
-
-
Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
-
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Feel:
- Leathery
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- > 6 inches
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-
Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Design Feature:
- Border
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Security
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Pollution
- Urban Conditions