An Assessment of Japanese Barberry in Northern U.S. Forests

Abstract

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii), a member of the barberry family (Berberidaceae), is a low-growing perennial shrub. This ornamental shrub was sent to Boston from Russia in 1875 as a substitute for common barberry, a nuisance plant that harbors black stem rust (Puccinia graminis), which affects several cereal crops (Kaufman and Kaufman 2007). Japanese barberry has low wildlife value and deer may promote its spread by creating soil disturbance that favor its growth. It can grow in sun or shade. Due to its shade tolerance, this species is of particular concern within forested areas. Japanese barberry can rapidly cover the forest floor, shading out other vegetation (Czarapata 2005, Kaufman and Kaufman 2007).