Japanese Barberry

About Japanese Barberry

A deciduous shrub from Japan, Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) can grow up to 6 feet tall. It has red berries, small teardrop-shaped leaves, and thorny twigs, and was introduced for landscaping, often planted as a barrier hedge.

The Problem

Birds and small mammals disperse its fruit; it invades fields, field edges, and forests, displacing native plants.

The Solution

Small plants can be hand pulled, but be sure to use thick gloves because of the sharp thorns. Systemic herbicides are effective when applied as a foliar spray or to freshly cut stumps. Barberry may grow in wetlands, where removal activities may be subject to the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act; anyone planning such work should check with the local conservation commission. Always read and follow the directions on the label when using herbicide. In wetlands, only apply herbicides registered for use in those areas.

Pictures of Japanese Barberry

Japanese Barberry white flowers — Japanese Barberry © Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Japanese barberry flowering — Japanese Barberry flowering

Japanese barberry fruit, leaves, thorns — Japanese Barberry fruit, leaves, and thorns

Japanese barberry with purple foliage — Japanese Barberry with purple foliage

Japanese barberry invading a forested wetland — Japanese Barberry invading a forested wetland

Japanese barberry invading a forested understory — Japanese Barberry invading a forested understory

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