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Chinese Barberry Berberis eurybracteata

Previously known as:

  • Mahonia eurybracteata
Phonetic Spelling
BER-ber-is YUR-ree-brak-tee-ay-tuh
Description

Chinese barberry is a broadleaf evergreen shrub, endemic to China in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). The genus name comes from the Latinized form of the Arabian name for the fruit.

The shrub will grow 4 to 5 feet tall and needs well-drained slightly acidic to neutral pH soil in full sun to partial shade. Prune in late winter to early spring. Propagate by stem cuttings.

In fall to early winter showy clusters of yellow flowers appear, followed by clusters of purple-blue berries. The slender leaves can be blue-tinged and have spines.

This shrub can be used in borders, groups and as a hedge. use in a winter garden.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Leaf spots, rust, and leaf scorch from sun/wind.  Chlorosis on high pH soils. 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.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Cistus Silvers'
    Silvery leaves for shady locations
  • 'Minganpi' SWEET WINTER®
    Compact shrub, no spines
  • 'Soft Caress'
    Soft feathery leaves. Grows 3 to 4 feet
'Cistus Silvers', 'Minganpi' SWEET WINTER®, 'Soft Caress'
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#woody#low maintenance#security plant#air pollution tolerant#showy fruits#deer resistant#spines#border planting#evergreen shrub#urban conditions tolerant#winter garden#hedge#groups
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Cistus Silvers'
    Silvery leaves for shady locations
  • 'Minganpi' SWEET WINTER®
    Compact shrub, no spines
  • 'Soft Caress'
    Soft feathery leaves. Grows 3 to 4 feet
'Cistus Silvers', 'Minganpi' SWEET WINTER®, 'Soft Caress'
Tags:
#evergreen#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#woody#low maintenance#security plant#air pollution tolerant#showy fruits#deer resistant#spines#border planting#evergreen shrub#urban conditions tolerant#winter garden#hedge#groups
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Berberis
    Species:
    eurybracteata
    Family:
    Berberidaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China
    Wildlife Value:
    birds will eat the berries
    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:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    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
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Spring
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Fruit Description:
    Berries in clusters in winter
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Clusters of slightly fragrant yellow flowers in fall to early winter.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Leathery
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Green to blue-green compound leaves with narrow spiny lance-shaped leaves
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Security
    Attracts:
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Pollution
    Urban Conditions
    Problems:
    Spines/Thorns