How much sun does Dwarf barberry need?

Dwarf barberry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Dwarf barberry bloom?

Dwarf barberry blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Dwarf barberry native?

Dwarf barberry (Mahonia pumila) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Dwarf barberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Mahonia pumila

Last reviewed: November 2026

Dwarf barberry (Mahonia pumila) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Dwarf barberry, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Dwarf barberry (Mahonia pumila) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–18" H × 12"–30" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains

Low, spreading evergreen shrub with spiny holly-like leaflets and clusters of small bright yellow flowers in spring, followed by dusty blue berries. Forms a dense groundcover on dry sandy or rocky slopes near the coast.

Growing Dwarf barberry

Grow Dwarf barberry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 18 inches tall and spread 12 to 30 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Spring flowers attract bees, and the blue berries are eaten by birds in summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf barberry need?: Dwarf barberry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dwarf barberry bloom?: Dwarf barberry blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Dwarf barberry native?: Dwarf barberry (Mahonia pumila) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dwarf barberry attract?: Dwarf barberry draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

Ready to grow Dwarf barberry? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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