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Native alternative(s) for Berberis eurybracteata:
Berberis canadensis Form
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Berberis repens Mahonia repens
Ilex cornuta Form
Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'

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.

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'
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#woody#low maintenance#security plant#air pollution tolerant#showy fruits#spines#border planting#evergreen shrub#urban conditions tolerant#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Soft Caress'
'Soft Caress'
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#woody#low maintenance#security plant#air pollution tolerant#showy fruits#spines#border planting#evergreen shrub#urban conditions tolerant#hedge
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Security
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Pollution
    Urban Conditions