Forest & Kim Starr,
USGS
Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
Synonym(s):
Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Listed by:
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US: 1
Federal Noxious Weed: 0
TDA Noxious Weed: 0
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species: 0
Description: Evergreen erect shrub in the barberry family (Berberidaceae) that grows to a height of 6-10 feet and width of 3 to 5 feet (Other cultivars including dwarf nandina are shorter in height). The plant has multiple bushy cane-like stems that resemble bamboo. The alternate leaves are bi-pinnately compound dividing into many 1 to 2-inch, pointed, oval leaflets. Young foliage is often pinkish, and then turns to soft light green. The foliage can be tinged red in winter. Early summer terminal clusters of tiny white-to-pink flowers. Each flower is 1?4 to 1?2 inch across, appearing in loose, erect, 6 to 12 inch clusters at the end of the branches. If plants are grouped, shiny red spherical berries, 1/3 inch in diameter, follow the flowers in fall and winter. Single plants seldom fruit heavily.
History: Nandina has been in cultivation for centuries. Introduced from eastern Asia and India in the early 1800s. Widely planted as an ornamental, now escaped and spreading from around old homes.
Biology & Spread: It spreads both vegetatively through underground sprouts from roots and by seeds.
Ecological Threat: Nandina has naturalized and invaded habitats. It colonizes by spreading underground root sprouts and by animal-dispersed seeds. It can persist as a seedling for several years before maturing. It can displace native species and disrupt plant communities. Berries are can be toxic to cats and some grazing animals.
US Habitat: It grows in full sun to shade and prefers reasonably rich soil but does not thrive in sand. It occurs under forest canopies and near forest edges.
Distribution
US Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: C. China to Japan (Alfred Rehder, Manual of Cultivated Trees and Shrubs: Hardy in North America, The MacMillan Co., New York (1967)), NatureServe Explorer
US States: AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, NC, SC, TX, VA
Resembles/Alternatives:
Management:
Manual- It is difficult to remove manually because even the smallest piece of root
will re-sprout.
Chemical- It can be effectively controlled using any of several readily available
general use herbicides such as glyphosate or triclopyr. For tall plants, cut stems
then apply herbicide. Collect and destroy fruit. Repeat applications may be
necessary to reduce densities. Follow label and state requirements. Managers
should evaluate the specific circumstances of each infestation, seek professional advice and guidance if
necessary, and use the herbicide in a manner that is consistent with the product label and other state
requirements
Natural pests- Plants are bothered by scale and mites. Leaf spot diseases often cause the lower leaves to
drop from the plant in the humid regions. The disease appears to be most severe on plants grown in
partial shade where the foliage can remain wet.
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.
Listing Source
Texas Department ofAgriculture Noxious Plant List
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Prohibited Exotic Species
Invaders Program
Federal Noxious Weed
Union of Concerned Scientists
United States Forest Service Southern Research Station
Text References
www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Nandido.htm,
http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1071.htm, http://aquat1.ifas.ufl.edu/nandom.html
Miller, James H. Nonnative Invasive Plants of Southern Forests- A Field Guide for Identification and Control, FS SRS=62. P. 27 & 79,
http://plants.usda.gov, www.forestryimages.org, http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/NANDOMA.PDF
Data Source
USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area, Forest Health Protection's Invasive Plants Website - http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive%5Fplants/weeds
Last Updated: 2004-06-02 by EEE