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Berberis candidula
Paleleaf Barberry
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Overview
Berberis candidula is a compact evergreen shrub reaching 24–36 inches (60–90 cm) tall and 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) wide, forming a dense dome-shaped mound that is wider than tall at maturity. Leaves are small, oval, 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) long, dark green and glossy above with chalky white (glaucous) undersides and margins rolled slightly under. The species epithet 'candidula' means 'shining white' and references the white leaf undersides. The bicolor foliage is visible when wind turns the leaves. Single spines occur at the leaf nodes along arching stems. Bright yellow solitary flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) across open in April–May, lasting 1–2 weeks. Dark blue-purple berries 6–8 mm long with a glaucous bloom ripen in September–October. Growth rate is slow at 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) per year; plants reach mature size in 3 years. All Berberis species contain berberine alkaloid, the yellow compound visible when bark or roots are cut, and are toxic to dogs and cats on ingestion. Berberis species are regulated in some US states because the genus serves as an alternate host for wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis).
Native Range
Native to central China (Hubei Province), occurring on rocky hillsides and open scrubland at low to middle elevations.Suggested Uses
Planted as a low evergreen groundcover, foundation shrub, or dwarf hedge at 36–48 inch (90–120 cm) spacing in zones 5–8. The bicolor foliage gives year-round interest; the dense spined habit forms a low barrier. Grows in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Not suited to deep shade, waterlogged soils, or states with active Berberis import or planting restrictions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2' - 3'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Bright yellow solitary flowers 0.3 inch (8 mm) across open in April–May, with individual flowers lasting 1–2 weeks. Flowers appear singly along the arching stems rather than in clusters. Dark blue-purple berries 6–8 mm long with a glaucous bloom ripen in September–October and persist into early winter.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
bright yellow, small, solitaryFoliage Description
dark green and glossy above; chalky white (glaucous) beneath; small oval 0.5–1 inch (12–25 mm) with rolled-under marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5 in full sun to partial shade. Water weekly during the first growing season. Established plants tolerate drought intervals of 3–4 weeks. The compact dome form develops without shaping. Berberine alkaloid throughout the plant is toxic to pets on ingestion. Berberis species are restricted in several US states as alternate hosts for wheat stem rust — Minnesota, North Dakota, Michigan, and parts of Montana have historical or active regulations on the genus.Pruning
Shape pruning is carried out after flowering in early summer (June) by removing any outward-splaying stems. The compact dome form develops naturally and requires no routine pruning to maintain. Spines on the stems make protective handling advisable during any pruning work.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons