top of page
Japanese Barberry
Berberis thunberggi
Trash It!
Japanese Barberry is a common ornamental species, sometimes mistakenly planted in Michigan or Wisconsin. However, birds disperse the seeds into woodlands by eating their red berries. Once established in a natural habitat, the plant outcompetes native vegetation. Deer or livestock are known to avoid consuming the plant because of its sharp thorns. Japanese Barberry can be a health hazard due to its dense foliage that attracts mice and ticks. These tics can then transmit Lyme disease. If this plant escapes into a forest, it can be costly to manage. If you do this, be aware that any plant fragment left behind can reproduce a new individual.
Identification of Japanese Barberry-Midwest Invasive Species Network
-
Leaves are small and spoon shaped in arranges in alternating pattern from stem.
-
Stem is have several small stems that may be slightly curved only on older plants.
-
The berries are very recognizable being bright red, egg shape, typically found singly but can be in clusters. Although, there are some cultivars that do not produce any berries
bottom of page