Berberis amurensis var. japonica, commonly known as Japanese Barberry, is a deciduous shrub native to forest understories and shrublands in Eastern Asia, including regions of China, Japan, and Korea. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters) and a width of 4-7 feet (1.2-2.1 meters). This plant is characterized by its spiny branches, vibrant green leaves that turn attractive shades of red and orange in the fall, and small, yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and are moderately showy. The flowers give way to bright red berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for wildlife.

Japanese Barberry is valued for its four-season interest, including bright fall foliage and persistent berries. It is used in a variety of landscape settings, such as urban planting, border planting, and as a hedge due to its dense, thorny branches which can provide a barrier. It thrives in full sun to part shade and adapts well to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they have medium to fast drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be cautious as Berberis amurensis var. japonica can be invasive outside its native range, and its seeds are easily spread by birds. It is also susceptible to certain diseases such as rust and can be affected by pests like aphids and scale insects.CC BY-SA 4.0