How much sun does California barberry need?

California barberry grows best in part shade conditions.

When does California barberry bloom?

California barberry blooms in March and April.

Where is California barberry native?

California barberry (Berberis pinnata) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does California barberry attract?

California barberry draws bees.

California barberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Berberis pinnata

Last reviewed: October 2026

California barberry (Berberis pinnata) is a perennial shrub native to CA, OR. It blooms in March and April. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

California barberry (Berberis pinnata) 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

36"–72" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

This barberry is an evergreen shrub with spiny, holly-like compound leaves and clusters of small bright yellow flowers in early spring, followed by blue-purple berries. It grows in woodland understory and forest edges.

Growing California barberry

Grow California barberry in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Bees visit the yellow flowers for nectar and pollen, and the berries that follow are eaten by birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does California barberry need?: California barberry grows best in part shade conditions.
When does California barberry bloom?: California barberry blooms in March and April.
Where is California barberry native?: California barberry (Berberis pinnata) is native to CA, OR, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does California barberry attract?: California barberry draws bees.

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.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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