Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo, Sacred Bamboo

Nandina is an ornamental upright evergreen shrub in the Berberidaceae (barberry) family known for its beautiful bright red berries. Nandina is an aggressive plant native to China and Japan that is considered an invasive species in some states. It naturalizes easily within the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones (6-9). It spreads by rhizomatous stems. Nandina can grow in full sun or dappled sunlight in a variety of soil conditions. It prefers to grow in moist, well-drained fertile soil. Each plant requires 3 feet. Nandina has an upright cane-like growth up to 8 feet tall. Nandina is also known as Heavenly Bamboo for its cane-like appearance. It flowers in late spring later producing ornamental fruit. The flowers are 3-6 inches, white in color, with up to six petals. Bright red berries are produced in terminal panicles in the fall. This plant is visually interesting year-round. The terminal cluster of bright red berries is a complement to reddish new growth and fall foliage. The leaves and berries contain cyanide which is toxic to livestock, domestic animals, and birds. Nandina may be planted as an accent or as a barrier. Because of the toxicity of Nandina, it is considered an invasive species that is potentially poisonous to humans, cats, dogs, and horses.