Berberis nevinii (Nevins Barberry)

Endemic to southern California, Berberis nevinii (Nevin's Barberry) is an evergreen flowering shrub boasting dense foliage of pale blue-green, spiny-toothed, spear-shaped leaflets. From late winter to mid-spring, it produces a profusion of cup-shaped, bright yellow flowers borne in clusters at the leaf axils. They are followed in summer by an abundance of translucent spherical red berries that are attractive to birds. Cold hardy and heat tolerant, Nevin's Barberry is naturally adapted to full sun, well-drained sandy soils, and extended periods of drought. Slow-growing and very attractive, it is mostly used as a large background or screen plant, and for attracting wildlife to its flowers and berries.

• Grows up to 8-12 ft. tall and wide (240-360 cm).
• Performs best in full sun to light shade, in coarse well-drained soils. Water twice per month once established.
• Fairly pest-free, easy to grow, and care for.
• Drought tolerant, deer resistant!
• Perfect choice as a single specimen plant for covering dry slopes, for foundation plantings, or as an impenetrable informal screen or hedge.
• No pruning is required but can handle hard pruning. Young plants can be pinched to increase branching density.
• For propagating by seed: 2.5 -3 mos. stratification is needed.
• Native to California.