Berberis canadensis Mill.:
United States (North America)

Note: This information is based on publications available through Tropicos and may not represent the entire distribution. Tropicos does not categorize distributions as native or non-native.

Ala., Ga., Ill., Ind., Ky., Md., Mo., N.C., Pa., Tenn., Va., W.Va.

United States

Origin: Native

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Present

Confidence: Confident

Type of Residency: Year-round

Global Range: Southeast United States: Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, with scattered, disjunct remnant populations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. Considered extirpated from Alabama.

Shrubs , deciduous, 0.4-2 m. Stems dimorphic, with long primary shoots and short axillary shoots. Bark of 2d-year stems purple or brown, glabrous. Bud scales 1-1.5 mm, deciduous. Spines present, simple or 3(-7)-fid. Leaves simple; petioles 0.2-0.8(-1.3) cm. Leaf blade oblanceolate or sometimes narrowly elliptic, 1-veined from base, 1.8-7.5 × 0.8-3.3 cm, thin and flexible, base long-attenuate, margins plane, toothed, each with 3-12 teeth 0-1 mm high tipped with bristles to 0.2-1.2 × 0.1-0.15 mm, apex rounded or rounded-obtuse; surfaces abaxially dull, smooth, adaxially dull, ± glaucous. Inflorescences racemose, lax, 3-12-flowered, 2-5.5 cm; bracteoles membranous, apex acuminate. Flowers: anther filaments without distal pair of recurved lateral teeth. Berries red, oblong-ellipsoid, 10 mm, juicy, solid. 2 n = 28.

Berberis canadensis may be distinguished from the similar B. vulgaris and B. thunbergii by the character of its leaf margins. Berberis canadensis possesses serrulate leaves, while those of B. vulgaris are finely spinulose-denticulate and those of B. thunbergii are entire (Fernald 1970, Gleason 1952).

In woods or glades, on rocky slopes and near rivers; 100-700m.

Comments: Berberis canadensis occurs in open woods, on bluffs and cliffs and along river banks in the eastern and central United States (Gleason and Cronquist 1991, Cook et al. 1987, Fernald 1970, Small 1933). Formerly an inhabitant of savannas and open woodlands, fire suppression has significantly restricted its habitat to sites with shallow soil (such as glades and cliffs) or areas with mowing or other canopy-clearing activities (such as powerline corridors, railroad/road right-of-ways and riverbanks).

The single extant population from Indiana is restricted to steep banks along the Tippecanoe River in the northern part of the state (Homoya 1992). Associated plant species include Besseya bullii, Lithospermum sp. and liverworts (Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center 1989). Prior to eradication efforts, Deam (1940) observed long stretches of the species along the banks of the Tippecanoe River, occupying an area "a few feet back from the edge of the bank and down the slope to high water mark".

Historically, B. canadensis occurred in Maryland in dry, calcareous woodlands, open fields and serpentine barrens (Maryland Natural Heritage Program 1992). No extant populations are known in the state.

In Missouri, B. canadensis is typically found on north-facing, rocky, wooded slopes; along streams; upper ledges or bluffs; exposed upper portions of bluffs on limestone, dolomite or sandstone; and mesic limestone/dolomite cliffs (Smith 1992, Roedner et al. 1978, Holt et al. 1974, University of Minnesota Herbarium (MIN)). Substrate composition usually consists of limestone, dolomite or sandstone with a somewhat basic pH (Smith 1993). Steyermark (1963) stated that the plant appears to be restricted to the edges of limestone bluffs where the soil is leached out, or near the contact point between chert or Roubidoux sandstone with limestone. Associated plant species in Missouri include Campanula rotundifolia, Carpinus caroliniana, Galium boreale ssp. septentrionale, Trautvetteria caroliniensis and Zigadenus elegans (Smith 1992, Steyermark 1963).

Berberis canadensis is found in 19 mountain counties in southwest Virginia (Huber 1993). Occupied habitat includes dry, open woodlands over limestone, dolomite, richer sandstone or shale substrates, rocky and cliffy areas and open areas and glades with naturally thin soil (Ludwig 1993, Ludwig 1992). Associated plant species in glades include Helianthus divaricatus, Juniperus virginiana and Schizachyrium scoparium. In rocky areas it is found with Cercis canadensis, Pellaea atropurpurea and Quercus muehlenbergii (Ludwig 1993).

Two historic populations are known from Georgia, but no recent efforts have been made to relocate them (Patrick 1989). Occupied habitat is described as dry, hard soil on upper, west-facing slopes and dry, rocky woods (Georgia Freshwater and Wetlands Heritage Inventory 1989).

In North Carolina, B. canadensis occurs in the Piedmont on mafic rocks (such as diabase, amphibolite and gabbro) and in the Blue Ridge on calcareous (limestone, dolomite, marble) and mafic rocks (amphibolite). It generally occurs in glade, open woodland, bluff or cliff situations (North Carolina Natural Heritage 1993, Weakley 1993, University of Minnesota Herbarium (MIN)). The species was historically found in fire-maintained habitats which kept the canopy open, but is now restricted to sites with very shallow soil or with mowing maintenance (right-of-ways, powerline corridors, etc.). Due to its association with mafic and calcareous rocks (uncommon to rare in the state), B. canadensis is often associated with other rare species. Typical associated plant species include Aquilegia canadensis, Cercis canadensis, Clematis ochroleuca, Desmodium spp., Echinacea laevigata, Matelea decipiens, Parthenium auriculatum, Pycnanthemum spp., Rhus aromatica, Silphium trifoliatum, Solidago rigida, Symphoricarpos orbiculatus and Viburnum rafinesquianum (North Carolina Natural Heritage 1993, Weakley 1993).

In Illinois, B. canadensis is known from a single extant site at the rim of a dry sandstone cliff (Illinois Natural Heritage Division 1992). No extant populations are known from the state (Schwegman 1989). Historic populations occurred on the rim of dry sandstone cliffs and in dry woodlands (Illinois Natural Heritage Division 1992, Mohlenbrock 1975).

No extant populations are known from Kentucky (Kentucky Natural Heritage Program 1993). Historic habitat is listed as limestone woodlands.

Berberis canadensis is known from Pennsylvania by one historic occurrence in the western portion of the state (Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory-West 1993, Kunsman 1992). Habitat for the occurrence was listed as "woods and waste places around abandoned buildings" and "rocky woods" (Pennsylvania Natural Diversity Inventory-West 1993). There is some speculation whether the occurrence was native or was introduced to the site (Kunsman 1992).

Collections at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville Herbarium (TENN) suggest that occupied habitat is relatively open woodlands (Pyne 1994). Collections have been made from wooded slopes, shale slopes, bluffs, terraces along river bluffs and river banks.

In Great Britain and/or Ireland:
Foodplant / parasite
Erysiphe berberidis parasitises Berberis canadensis

Note: For many non-migratory species, occurrences are roughly equivalent to populations.

Estimated Number of Occurrences: 21 - 80

Comments: Extant occurrences in: Indiana (2--1CD, 1D), Illinois (1), Kentucky (2 documented, likely to be more occurrences (White, 1998), Missouri (12), North Carolina (10), Tennessee (4 collections in last 20 years). Ranked S3S4 in Virginia with occurrences in 19 counties.

Flowering spring (Apr-May).

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Specimens with Barcodes: 1
Species With Barcodes: 1

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: N3 - Vulnerable

Rounded Global Status Rank: G3 - Vulnerable

Reasons: There are approximately 50 occurrences known across its range. (Insufficient inventory, particularly in Virginia and South Carolina, may cloud its true abundance.) However, most populations are small and have little reproduction. Further, Berberis canadensis is very threatened range-wide as it is still targeted for eradication by agricultural officials.

Global Short Term Trend: Decline of 10-30%

Comments: The species has declined significantly since settlement due to habitat destruction and eradication efforts. Loss of the natural fire regime and continued eradication efforts suggest that the downward trend is continuing.

Comments: Berberis canadensis (and the majority of barberries) is an alternate host for the black stem rust of wheat, oats, rye barley, and various wild and cultivated grasses (Weakley 1993, Steffey 1985, Rudolf 1974, Steyermark 1963). The U.S. Department of Agriculture and state agriculture offices initiated a comprehensive barberry eradication program in the past to elimiate black stem rust. As a result, numerous populations of this species were destroyed (Weakley 1993, Wiegman 1993, Homoya 1992, Steyermark 1963).

Loss of primary habitat has also played a significant role in the demise of this species. The elimination of the natural fire regime has resulted in the succession of savanna and open woodland habitats into closed-canopy woodlands. Only in sites with extremely shallow soils or areas that are frequently mowed or cleared does B. canadensis persist in any significant populations. Since settlement, much of the available habitat has been destroyed, converted to cultivated fields, land development, and urbanization (Weakley 1993). These threats remain for extant populations.

Grazing is a potential threat to extant populations (Smith 1992, Ludwig 1993). Grazing may serve to maintain the open character of woodlands, but its effects on B. canadensis plants are unknown. In some areas, the plants appear to be grazed by cattle (Smith 1992). Soil compaction and disturbance may negatively impact individual plants and populations.

Competition from exotic plant species (such as Lonicera tatarica and Rhamnus cathartica) is a threat to populations (Ludwig 1993). These species can form dense stands and eliminate ground layer herbaceous and other shrub species, including B. canadensis. Excessive shading and canopy closure in woodlands may be a factor in reducing seed production in the species, as has been noted in Missouri (Smith 1992).

Restoration Potential: The restoration potential of this species is largely unknown. Establishment or augmentation of populations is dependant upon seed germination, but conditions under which germination is triggered are unknown. Given success in germinating seeds, coupled with an active habitat management program designed to maintain open woodland/savanna conditions, restoration should be successful.

Preserve Selection and Design Considerations: Preserve designs should incorporate the requirements of fire management in maintaining suitable, open habitat. Preserve designs should incorporate sufficient area to conduct proper prescribed fire management and allow for a matrix of habitat areas and management units. Smoke planning should also be addressed in the preserve design.

Preserve size should also be a requirement for the long-term protection and viability of the species. Sufficient preserve size should be planned for habitat protection and restoration, and expansion of existing populations into these habitats.

Management Requirements: Berberis canadensis is a species of open woodlands, glades and savannas. Most of these habitats have grown closed with trees and shrubs since the elimination of a natural fire regime. Prescribed fire or selective thinning of the canopy should be conducted in order to increase light levels to the habitat and populations (Weakley 1993).

Managers should work cooperatively with state and federal regulatory agencies and organizations (e.g., USDA and state departments) to reduce or eliminate the effects of continued Berberis eradication efforts (Homoya 1992).

Management Programs: No known management programs are currently in place for the species in any portion of its range.

Monitoring Programs: Monitoring of plants is done by the Indiana DNR, Division of Entomology, for signs of black stem rust as part of eradication efforts.

Contact: Mike Homoya, Ecologist/Botanist, Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center, Division of Nature Preserves, Department of Natural Resources, 402 W. Washington St., Rm. W267, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Telephone: (317) 232-4052.

Populations in Missouri are revisited every several years in order to update their status in the Heritage Database. Most sites were revisited between 1984 and 1990.

Contact: Tim Smith, Botanist, Natural History Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, 2901 W. Truman Blvd., Jefferson, MO 65109. Telephone: (314) 751-4115.

Management Research Programs: No research programs directed at management needs are known at this time.

Management Research Needs: Research regarding the response of this species to fire, canopy thinning and other management activities would allow for better management of populations and habitat (Weakley 1993). There is a need to determine the best habitat for the species and how to best maintain the character of these areas (Smith 1992).

Biological Research Needs: Investigate factors that limit seed production; study the effects of habitat quality and genetic variation within and between populations to assess species' vigor (Smith, 1992). Research is needed to accurately assess the role that B. canadensis plays as a host to stem rust. Does the eradication of extant populations play a significant role in the elimination of the rust? Do eradication efforts pay for themselves? Information along these lines could be used to persuade agents to discontinue eradication efforts.

Comments: The red, fleshy berries of B. canadensis are edible (Small 1933). The plant is often grown for ornamental purposes because of its attractive foliage, flowers and fruit. It is also useful for wildlife food and cover and erosion control. The majority of barberry species are susceptible to black stem rust of wheat. Roots of barberry can be used to obtain a yellow dye. The plants contain an alkaloid called berberine, which is used for medicinal purposes in some areas (Rudolf 1974).

Research on this species has investigated the ultrastructural features of the cortical parenchyma cells in the stamen filaments (Fleurat-Lessard and Millet 1984). The stamen filaments of Berberis canadensis respond to various electrical, mechanical and chemical stimuli by bending. The mature stamens are formed from the reproductive meristem and lack photosynthetic activity and circadian movements. Berberis canadensis contains unusual walls, vascular microfibrils and microfilaments in the stamens. These walls are elastic due to their multiple folded appearance. Changes in the wall in the form of extensions may be linked with IAA, which may alter the fibrillar structure by regulating protein fluxes (Pilet and Roland 1974 as in Fleurat-Lessard and Millet 1984).

Another common name for this species is Alleghany barberry. An illustration of the species can be found in Steyermark (1963). Range distribution maps of the species can be found in the following sources: Missouri (Steyermark 1963), Virginia (Harvill et al. 1986).

Needs: Preserve designs should incorporate the requirements of fire management in maintaining suitable, open habitat. Preserve designs should incorporate sufficient area to conduct proper prescribed fire management and allow for a matrix of habitat areas and management units. Smoke planning should also be addressed in the preserve design. Preserve size should also be a requirement for the long-term protection and viability of the species. Sufficient preserve size should be planned for habitat protection and restoration and expansion of existing populations into these habitats. Conservation easements or other means for keeping wheat cultivation well removed from the preserves should also be considered.

Stewardship Overview: Management for B. canadensis should include the use of prescribed fire, selective thinning of the canopy or controlled mowing in order to maintain high light levels and eliminate woody plant encroachment. Habitats need protection from urbanization, agricultural activities, destructive recreational activities, land development, indiscriminate pesticide application, excessive grazing and exotic species. Monitoring of occurrences should be conducted frequently to track their status with respect to management activities. Habitat quality should be monitored and an assessment of threats to all populations should be made. Cooperative efforts between state and federal regulatory agencies (e.g., USDA and state departments) should be exercised to reduce or eliminate the effects of continued Berberis eradication efforts. Research is needed to accurately assess the role of B. canadensis as an alternate host to stem rust. Investigations into the reproductive biology, genetic variation, pollination vectors, factors effecting seed production and the response to management activities are also needed.

Berberis canadensis is susceptible to infection by Puccinia graminis . 

 The Cherokee Indians used scraped bark of Berberis canadensis in infusions to treat diarrhea (D. E. Moermann 1986).