// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

American barberry

Berberis canadensis

American barberry (Berberis canadensis) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes MO — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 5a–9a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Apr–May.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 13 U.S. states, including AL, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–9a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Apr–May
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

American barberry (Berberis canadensis) — *Berberis canadensis* — American barberry. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, american barberry pairs naturally with: American Bladdernut (Staphylea trifolia), American Hazelnut (Corylus americana), American Plum (Prunus americana), American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).