The Rutland Chapter of UVM Extension Master Gardeners has some concerns about a common ornamental plant that you may have on your property. The Japanese barberry is a spiny shrub that in the past 30 years became a popular landscape plant, chosen for its red autumn foliage and red berries in winter, and because it is deer resistant. The plant has virtually no predators or natural deterrents, and its thorns put off most animals that might graze on it. Why is Japanese barberry a problem? Japanese barberry is … (read more)
