Berberis canadensis

Japanese barberry resembles American barberry (Berberis canadensis), which grows in dry woods or bluffs in East Tennessee. Distinguishing features are the sharply toothed leaves and three pronged spines of American barberry. In most habitats, Japanese barberry is easily recognizable because of its distinctive coloration. American barberry is listed as a rare plant (Special Concern) in Tennessee.

Landscape Alternatives

These native plants are suitable substitutes for Japanese Barberry in the landscape.

Ninebark ‘Diablo’ (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a shade-loving shrub cultivar with deep maroon foliage, showy white flower clusters, fruit capsules, and exfoliating bark. Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies.

Dwarf Witch Alder (Fothergilla gardenii) is a small shrub with fragrant, white, bottlebrush flowers in spring and spectacular fall color. Attracts birds.

Winterberry ‘Red Sprite’ (Ilex verticillata) is a compact cultivar of this popular deciduous holly that becomes loaded with clusters of showy red fruit through fall and into winter. Birds love the fruit in late winter.

Carolina Rose (Rosa carolina) is a small shrub with large pink flowers in late spring and bright red rose hips (fruit) in fall and winter.