Chinese Barberry Berberis eurybracteata
Previously known as:
- Mahonia eurybracteata
- Phonetic Spelling
- BER-ber-is YUR-ree-brak-tee-ay-tuh
- Description
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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.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- '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'
- 'Cistus Silvers', 'Minganpi' SWEET WINTER®, 'Soft Caress'
- Tags:
Download Image
- 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'
- 'Cistus Silvers', 'Minganpi' SWEET WINTER®, 'Soft Caress'
- Tags:
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-
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.
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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:
- 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
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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
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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.
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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
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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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
