Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
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 picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Japanese barberry
Also known as: Red barberry
Berberis thunbergii, colloquially known as japanese barberry, is a flowering deciduous shrub commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. Berberis thunbergii f. atropurpurea is the most popular cultivar of this species, known for its characteristic dark red to violet foliage and bright red berries.
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
Spring
Bloom Time
Fall
Harvest Time
30 cm to 3 m
Plant Height
1.2 m to 2 m
Spread
Green, Red, Variegated, Orange, Yellow, White
Leaf Color
3 mm to 4 mm
Flower Size
Red
Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Green
Flower Color
Red, Green, Brown
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
10 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Spring
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate

Images of Japanese barberry

Distribution of Japanese barberry

Distribution Map
Japanese barberry is native to Japan and East Asia and has additionally become naturalized in China, parts of central Europe, and across the United States. Some parts of the United States consider it invasive. The japanese barberry prefers a temperate, deciduous forest climate but can also survive in wetlands and grasslands.
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
Woods, old fields, roadsides
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Economic Value
Berberine can be extracted from the roots and stems of Japanese barberry or thunberg's barberry.
Garden Use
Japanese barberry is often used to decorate pools, rocks, flowerbeds, and flower borders. It is a common shrub that is used to add ornamental value to a garden or landscape. Prized for its visual appeal and its success as a hedge plant, because it is very dense and thorny, it can restrict unwanted visitors and keep animals in or out while also adding a bright splash of color. It does well in home, cottage, and woodland gardens and is often planted with Boxwood Shrubs, because the dark, glossy green complements the sharp red of the japanese barberry.
Symbolism
atonement, guarding, healing
Interesting Facts
It is said that there was once a missionary whose hobby was to breed japanese barberry. However, while this missionary preached virtue to the people during the day, at night he would steal. So the symbol of the japanese barberry became the coexistence of good and evil.
Name Story
Japanese barberry: This plant used to be a very popular shrub. The light yellow flowers that sprout during spring and bright red fruits in autumn were the reasons why it was widely planted. However, it has now become least wanted. Also, Berberis is the Arabic name for the Barberry fruit. As he is also a plant native to Japan, he is called Japanese barberry.
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

Japanese barberry is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Immediate veterinary care is crucial to manage health risks. All parts of japanese barberry—leaves, stems, and berries—pose a risk.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: Toxicity of Japanese barberry

Quickly Identify Japanese barberry

1
Solitary spine at stem nodes
2
Deciduous obovate leaves with smooth margin
3
Bright red berries in winter
4
Clusters of tiny, pale yellow flowers
5
Ellipsoidal glossy red berries
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify Japanese barberry

Care Guide for Japanese barberry

Every 1-2 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
10 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Japanese barberry prefers well-drained soil and is moderately drought-tolerant, adapting to varying moisture levels. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry slightly. Often grown outdoors, japanese barberry shows adaptability across climate zones, affecting its irrigation requirements.
Fertilize: Japanese barberry benefits from balanced fertilizers for growth and flowering, with high nitrogen for vegetative vigor. Fertilize biannually in early spring and mid-fall, using recommended rates to avoid over-fertilization. Monitor japanese barberry's response and adjust care for optimal growth and health.
Pruning: Japanese barberry features vibrant red foliage and dense, thorny branches. Early spring pruning is essential, focusing on removing dead wood, thinning crowded branches, and shaping the plant. This promotes healthy growth, abundant flowering, and allows for quick recovery, enhancing vigor and aesthetics.
Propagation: Japanese barberry propagates best via cutting and layering during autumn or winter. Success is indicated by healthy roots and new shoots. Maintaining moisture and suitable warmth for cuttings enhances propagation outcomes.
Repotting: Repot japanese barberry every 2-3 years in early spring, choosing a container 2-3 inches larger. Use well-draining soil and maintain consistent moisture post-repotting. Avoid overwatering, as japanese barberry is adaptable once established.
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
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Japanese barberry
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app