Barberry Berberis eurybracteata
Other plants called Barberry:
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.
The shrub can be pruned, but keep in mind that next season's blossoms and fruit will appear on old growth.
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:
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- '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
-
-
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
