Berberis microphylla 'Nana'

'Nana' is a dwarf cultivar of the box-leaved barberry that is native to South America. It is an evergreen low growing thorny shrub in the barberry family (Berberidaceae) and is typically found in nature on coastal scrub, forest margins, clearings and moister areas in grass.

The dwarf 'Nana' is the most common of this species and can be pruned back severely and resprout from the base. Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist, well-drained, acidic soil. It is drought tolerant and slow-growing with a tiering habit and cane-like growth and tends to sucker to form colonies. It grows only up to 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. 

The bright yellow flowers occur in spring on short racemes. The spine-tipped leaves have reddish new growth that turns glossy green. 

It is best planted in small groups in shade or woodland gardens. It also does well as a specimen or in foundation or shrub borders. 

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. 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.