How much sun does Cascade Barberry need?

Cascade Barberry grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Cascade Barberry bloom?

Cascade Barberry blooms in April and May.

Where is Cascade Barberry native?

Cascade Barberry (Berberis nervosa) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Cascade Barberry attract?

Cascade Barberry draws bees and beetles.

Is Cascade Barberry HOA-friendly?

Cascade Barberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cascade Barberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Berberis nervosa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cascade Barberry (Berberis nervosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

A low-growing evergreen shrub with holly-like compound leaves and bright yellow flower clusters in spring. The flowers develop into blue-black berries that attract birds, while the foliage provides year-round structure and interest.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cascade Barberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Spiny foliage could be considered hazardous near walkways

Wildlife value

Spring flowers provide nectar for bees and beetles during early season when few other plants are blooming. The berries feed birds and small mammals throughout summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Cascade Barberry need?: Cascade Barberry grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cascade Barberry bloom?: Cascade Barberry blooms in April and May.
Where is Cascade Barberry native?: Cascade Barberry (Berberis nervosa) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cascade Barberry attract?: Cascade Barberry draws bees and beetles.
Is Cascade Barberry HOA-friendly?: Cascade Barberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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