California Barberry
Berberis pinnata
Also listed as Mahonia pinnata
Also known as Wavyleaf Barberry, Californian Mahonia
Climate Match for your location
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A spiny native shrub sometimes grown for its tart blue-black berries, best cooked with sugar into jelly or syrup. Drought tolerant, with fragrant yellow spring flowers.
Why grow it
California barberry is a native option among barberries, adapted to California's climate and soils. It suits native-plant and dry-climate plantings once established.
Watch out for
The spine-tipped leaves can cause puncture wounds, so wear thick gloves and long sleeves when pruning or harvesting. Place it away from paths and play areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
Native to the United States
Native Range
California (Sierra Nevada foothills and coastal ranges)
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A spiny native shrub sometimes grown for its tart blue-black berries, best cooked with sugar into jelly or syrup. Drought tolerant, with fragrant yellow spring flowers.
Climate Match for your location
See how well California Barberry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
California barberry is a native option among barberries, adapted to California's climate and soils. It suits native-plant and dry-climate plantings once established.
Watch out for
The spine-tipped leaves can cause puncture wounds, so wear thick gloves and long sleeves when pruning or harvesting. Place it away from paths and play areas.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
Native to the United States
Native Range
California (Sierra Nevada foothills and coastal ranges)
Native to: California
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
pH Range
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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