Time to Retire Barberry: Invasive Japanese Barberry Replacements

Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is a popular yet invasive shrub that’s already well-established in North American landscapes. Initially introduced by European settlers in the 1600s, this low-maintenance plant with colorful cultivars quickly spread from gardens to natural areas. It can now be found in woodlands and along woodland edges, outcompeting native plants and contributing to the spread of Lyme disease due to its association with Black-legged ticks.
In this video, we’ll show you how to identify Japanese Barberry, its impact on local ecosystems, and why it's important to replace it with more environmentally friendly, native alternatives. We’ll also provide tips on how to properly remove this invasive shrub from your landscape and how you can report it in natural areas.
Learn more:
kb.jniplants.c...
🌿 Learn how to identify Japanese Barberry
🌿 Discover eco-friendly alternatives for your landscape
🌿 Take action to protect your local environment
If you spot Japanese Barberry in your neighborhood or in natural areas, consider removing it and replacing it with native plants that support biodiversity. Join the effort to control invasive species and help preserve healthy ecosystems!