Nevin's Barberry
(Berberis nevinii )
Berberidaceae

Photo Copyright 2003 J.S. Peterson, USDA NRCS NPDC

Description: Large, rounded, evergreen shrub, 3.2 - 51.2 inches (1-4 meters) tall, with stiff, branched stems. Leaves 1 1/2 - 3 1/8 inches (4-8cm) long. Leaflets 3-5 per leaf, spear-shaped, somewhat leathery, blue-green and dull on both sides, 3/4 - 1 1/2 inches (2-4cm) long, and 1/4 - 3/4 inches (.6-2cm) wide. Edges of leaflets are tiny-spined to saw-toothed, with 5-16 bristlelike teeth on each side, about 1mm long. Inflorescence is a loosely flowered raceme (flower stalks along a stem opening from bottom to top) 1-2 inches (2.5-5cm) long, with 3-5 flowers. Fruit is a yellowish - red to red, rounded berry, 1/4 - 3/8 inches (6-8mm) long. Seeds are plump, brownish, and 1/8 - 1/4 inch (3.4-5mm) long. 

Distribution:

Habitat: Sandy and gravelly places, washes, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Elevation 944 - 2640 feet.

Flowering Period: Blooms March - April.

Similar Plants:

Status: Federal Endangered, California State Endangered, California Native Plant Society List 1B