Wintergreen barberry - Berberis julianae (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Wintergreen barberry

Also known as: Julian's berberis

Wintergreen barberry (Berberis julianae) is an evergreen shrub that will grow to 1.2 m tall and 1.8 m wide. It blooms clusters of yellow flowers in spring. Berries ripen to blackish-blue in fall attracting birds and other wildlife. Colorful foliage with leaves changing color from green to burgundy in winter. Requires full sun to partial shade.

Scientific classification

Species

Wintergreen barberry (Berberis julianae)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Green

Leaf Color

3 mm

Flower Size

Black, Blue

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Images of Wintergreen barberry

Distribution of Wintergreen barberry

Distribution Map

Wintergreen barberry is native to East Asia and has been introduced to parts of Europe. In its native range, wintergreen barberry thrives in a temperate climate, while in the introduced regions, it has acclimatized to similar environments. Wintergreen barberry is also found in cultivation, indicating its adaptability and ornamental appeal beyond its indigenous locales.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Fence rows, disturbed woodlands, thickets

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Protection, Healing, It is used to soothe fears and to calm the nerves.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Toxicity

Wintergreen barberry is mildly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs, primarily through ingestion of its fruit. Symptoms include gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), weakness, and dizziness in humans, and similar signs in pets. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if cats or dogs consume the fruit. Prevent accidental ingestion to avoid these unpleasant symptoms.

Identify toxic plants in your garden

Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.

Download the App for Free

Quickly Identify Wintergreen barberry

Leaves are leathery, deep green, toothed, clustered at nodes on short spur shoots.

Stem has 3 sharp spines at nodes, yellowish when young, thin branching pattern.

Yellow flowers in subumbellate raceme, star-like arrangement of petals.

Distinctive bluish-black oval berry, 0.3 inches (7.62 mm) in size, smooth texture.

Robust, rounded evergreen shrub, dense form with medium to fine texture.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Wintergreen barberry

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating in mountainous forest understories, wintergreen barberry prefers moderate moisture and well-drained soil, resilient to brief droughts. It thrives with biweekly watering, mimicking natural precipitation, and maintains leaf hydration year-round, needing less water in cooler months due to lower evapotranspiration.

Fertilize: For wintergreen barberry, use balanced fertilizers with equal nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during active growth in spring and summer, every 4-6 weeks. Water wintergreen barberry before and after fertilization to prevent root burn. Reduce applications in colder months to avoid over-fertilization, which can harm wintergreen barberry.

Pruning: Wintergreen barberry can benefit from pruning to enhance vigor, especially when used as a hedge. Perform pruning in spring, avoiding excess moisture and frost damage. Limit cuts to 1/3 of the canopy, angle cuts away from buds, and always disinfect tools to prevent contamination.

Propagation: Wintergreen barberry is propagated through cuttings, using healthy semi-hardwood stems for better rooting. Insert cuttings in well-draining soil under indirect light. Consistent moisture and rooting hormones enhance propagation success.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free