Japanese Barberry

​Japanese Barberry is a terrestrial invasive plant (Minnesota Department of Agriculture Specially Regulated Plant) that was, until recently, considered a threat only in oak woodlands and oak savannas. Recently, infestations have been found in Duluth and along the Lake Superior Shoreline near Two Harbors.

Lake County SWCD recently received a grant from the State of Minnesota to treat Japanese Barberry Infestations. These matching funds are not restricted to Lake County, so they are looking for assistance in identifying Japanese Barberry Infestations throughout the Arrowhead.

Please contact Derrick Passe, Lake County SWCD, 763-286-0570 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are aware of any Japanese Barberry Infestations.

For additional information, visit the Minnesota DNR website at; http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/woody/japanesebarberry.html

The following YouTube videos describe the environmental and health risks posed by Japanese Barberry.

Barberry, Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehN-QTPqSDQ

Barberry, Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9XWaCtJDiU

Barberry, Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TT7Q3VXfQQ