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ISO European Barberry Bush #868234

Asked May 13, 2024, 3:22 PM EDT

I'm looking for a European Barberry bush. I purchased some from a local nursery about 14 years ago, and I'd like to add one more to my patio. Our local nurseries don't carry them, and aren't able to get them. Do you have any that are started? I've looked online and all I have found for sale are seeds.

Crow Wing County Minnesota

Expert Response

The reason you can't find them is because they are considered a noxious weed in Minnesota. They spread into wild areas, choking out native plants. While they spread vegetatively by underground rhizomes, the most serious issue is that their seeds are carried far and wide by birds. So please don't plant any more (and consider removing the ones you have):
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/commonbarberry
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/common-barberry

Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 14, 2024, 4:27 PM EDT

Wow! I had no idea. I did buy them at a nursery. Were they classified as an invasive species since then?

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On Tue, May 14, 2024 at 3:27 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 14, 2024, 6:01 PM EDT

I believe they were classified as noxious in 2017 (see the links I sent you). Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) are even worse:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/japanesebarberry.html

Consider ninebark, weigela or even a shrub rose as an alternative.

Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied May 14, 2024, 6:16 PM EDT

Thank you for the explanation. And I will consider some of those. I certainly purchased them before 2017. You've been a big help. I will stop my search.

Have a great week!