Berberis japonica

Read about Berberis japonica in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Mahonia japonica, DC. (Berberis japonica, Spreng. B. Bealii, Fort.). Lfts. 9-13, roundish or ovate, the terminal one larger, usually truncate or subcordate at the base, with large remote spiny teeth, dull or slightly lustrous above, 2-5 in. long: racemes 3-4 in. long, fascicled: fr. bluish black. China, Himalayas, in Japan only cult. B.M. 4846, 4852. Gn. 63, p. 72. F.S. 6:79. Gn.M. 2:19. H.F. 5:168. G. 2:299; 29:341 and J.F. 3:278 (as B. nepalensis).—Very effective by its large bold foliage; has proved hardy at the Arnold Arboretum in sheltered positions. Var. trifurca, Schneid. (B. trifurca, Forbes). Lfts. 4 in. long and 2 in. broad, 3-pointed at the apex and with a few teeth at the base. Var. gracfllima, Fedde. Lfts. smaller, about 2 in. long and 3/4 in. broad. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.