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GREATjU RIVERlRIPW GREENING Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Description Barberry is a small spiny shrub, growing 3-5 feet tall. It may be rather spindly in habit when growing in deep shade, or more compact when growing in part -shade and sun. The small rounded leaves taper to the stem and occur in small clusters associated with one of the spines along the stems. Insignificant yellow flowers open in May. They occur singly or in groups of 2-4, hanging beneath the branches. Fruit are bright red oblong berries which may persist into winter if they aren't eaten first by birds which disperse the seeds. Barberry has the ability to spread by layering, when its lower branches root into the ground. Japanese barberry, along with many of its horticultural cultivars are sold as ornamentals in Minnesota and other states. Japanese barberry is currently a Minnesota Department of Agriculture Specially Regulated Plant, which means that the species type and several cultivars of Berberis thunbergii are being phased out of the nursery trade and may not be legally sold in the state after December 31, 2017. Mechanical Small populations of Individual plants can be rogued out with a shovel, mattock, or weed wrench. Because the lower stems may have rooted down, care must be taken to up -root all stems for complete control. Forestry mowing in winter may control barberry if the shredded stems are exposed to dessicating conditions, however, follow-up foliar treatment is often necessary. Cut stems must be treated with herbicide or the shrub will resprout from the base. Chemical Cut -stump treatment with glyphosate or triclopyr is effective at controlling barberry. The herbicide should be applied to the stump without delay for optimal effectiveness. Barberry may be difficult to control due to its ability to layer. If all of the rooted stems are not cut and treated, barberry may survive cut stump treatment. Foliar herbicide treatments can also be effective, but care needs to be taken to avoid collateral damage to native species. Timing foliar treatments using glyphosate or triclopyr while native species are dormant is necessary to minimize damage to desirable species. Long-term Management Barberry are prolific seed producers, so monitoring and follow-up treatment will be needed to obtain control. Japanese Barberry Dec - April May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Mar Burn Foliar Herbicide Basal Bark Herbicide Cut Stem Herbicide Flowering