Japanese barberry

Berberis thunbergii DC.

Family: BerberidaceaeZones: 4a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

all parts may cause mild stomach upset if eaten (RHS, genus level), stems carry sharp thorns (NC State, RHS)

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

stomach upset, skin injury and irritation from thorns

Hazard route

ingestion and skin contact

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. For people, RHS (UK, genus level) says all parts of berberis may cause mild stomach upset if eaten. NC State has no poison severity line for this plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a to 8b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: low
Mature size: NC State: 3 to 6 ft tall (0.9 to 1.8 m) and 4 to 7 ft wide (1.2 to 2.1 m). Clemson: 3 to 6 ft tall and 4 to 7 ft wide, depending on the variety. Some varieties are smaller, for example Clemson gives 'Crimson Pygmy' as about 2 ft tall and 3 ft wide.
Where it comes from: NC State: native to Japan (Asia).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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