Japanese barberry Berberis thunbergii
Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a deciduous perennial shrub in the Berberidaceae family, native to Japan. It grows 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) tall and 90 cm–1.8 m (35 in–5.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
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Japanese barberry at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.5 m (24 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 90 cm–1.8 m (35 in–5.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Invasive in | US (northeast and midwest; banned or regulated in several states), Canada (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia): check local rules before planting |
Is Japanese barberry toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
- Parts: roots, bark, berries
Berberine alkaloids in roots, bark and berries can upset the stomach; the thorns cause injuries.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Japanese barberry
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Japanese barberry
- How far apart should I plant Japanese barberry?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 90 cm–1.8 m (35 in–5.9 ft).
- Does Japanese barberry need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Japanese barberry need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Japanese barberry?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Japanese barberry flower?
- From about April for 2–3 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Japanese barberry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people mildly toxic. Berberine alkaloids in roots, bark and berries can upset the stomach; the thorns cause injuries.
- What grows well with Japanese barberry?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Japanese barberry. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Thorny and shade-tolerant; dense stands in eastern North America are linked to higher blacklegged-tick numbers. Many purple-leaved cultivars exist; some are sold as sterile.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Heavenly bamboo (nandina) Nandina domestica
- Oregon grape Berberis aquifolium
- Calafate (box-leaved barberry) Berberis microphylla
- Darwin’s barberry (michay) Berberis darwinii
- Mayapple (American mandrake) Podophyllum peltatum
- Bigleaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla
- Rhododendron Rhododendron
- Boxwood Buxus sempervirens