The PA Department of Agriculture added Japanese Barberry, or Berberis thunbergii, to a list of noxious weeds — plants that cannot be legally sold or cultivated in the state. The popular, non-native, ornamental shrub forms dense, prickly thickets that crowd out plants and disrupt native ecosystems. It is also thought to harbor black-legged ticks that spread Lyme disease. The ban on sale and cultivation took effect on October 8, 2021.
Enforcement of the ban will be phased in over two years to allow time for nurseries to eliminate it from their stock, find non-harmful alternatives, and develop seedless, sterile varieties that pose less threat to the environment and agriculture. Landscape and nursery businesses will receive notices of the timeline, procedures, and exemption process for sterile varieties. Property owners should consider eliminating the shrubs on their land.
"Many seemingly attractive plants can actually harm our environment, our food supply, and our health," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "Pennsylvania does not take banning the sale of a plant lightly. Prevention is the best alternative — choosing native plants that harbor pollinators and allow a healthy, natural ecosystem. Carefully considering the potential impact of what we plant can prevent lasting damage that is difficult, expensive, or impossible to reverse."
Japanese barberry was originally brought to the U.S. from Japan and eastern Asia in the 1800s to be planted as an ornamental. It is widely used as a landscape shrub because of its fall coloring and resistance to deer. It has garnered attention in the past several years as a prolific invader that can easily spread into woodlands, pastures, fields, and natural areas.
Nursery and landscape businesses will receive notice from the department, advising them to immediately begin adjusting propagation, ordering, and planting of Japanese barberry to decrease inventory.
In Fall 2022, the department will issue letters of warning to any plant merchant still selling Japanese barberry, providing a date in Fall 2023 after which remaining inventory will be subject to a destruction order.
In Fall 2023, the department will issue Stop Sale and destruction orders to plant merchants selling or distributing Japanese barberry.
Merchants with questions should contact [email protected].
