Barberry

Garden Problems

Barberry, including Darwin's barberry and European barberry, are woody evergreen shrubs with spiky leaves.

Identify the problem
Barberrys are woody evergreen shrubs with small shiny leaves with sharp spines. They produce small yellow flowers followed by purple berries.
Darwin's Barberry is one of the Dirty Dozen in New Zealand's War on Weeds.
How to solve the problem
Options:
- ApplyWeed Weapon Woody Weeds or Weed Weapon Extra Strength concentrate with Dye & Stick, all year round. Follow up on re-sprouting areas twice a year.
- Cut down the barberry and immediately apply Weed Weapon Invade Gel or Weed Weapon Stump Stop Gel to all cut ends to kill root systems effectively.
- Small patches can be dug out but ensure all roots are removed as these will re-sprout. Dispose of plant material at a refuse transfer station or burn. Check for regrowth.
Did you know?
- Barberry replaces shrub land and regenerating forest, sometimes permanently in open habitats.
- Barberry is Berberis glaucocarpa
- Darwin's barberry is Berberis darwinii