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Common Name: Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Scientific Name: Nandina domestica
Family: Berberidaceae
Exotic Pest Plant or Invasive Alien
Highway 108
Polk County, North Carolina
April 23, 2002
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A true survivor. Old plants often seen growing in cemeteries, overgrown gardens, on abandoned homesites, where they fruit and flower for decades with absolutely no care. Nandina takes sun or shade and tolerates drought, though well-drained soil is essential. No serious pests. Hardy shrub everywhere, though semievergreen or deciduous in the Upper South. Loses leaves at 10 degrees Fahrenheit; stems are damaged at 5 degrees Fahrenheit but plant usually recovers fast. Belongs to the barberry family but is reminiscent of bamboo in its lightly branched, canaille stems and delicate, fine-textured foliage. Slow to moderate growth to 6 - 8 feet. Spreads slowly by stolons to form large clumps. Can be divided in spring, winter, or fall. Leaves intricately divided into many 1 - 2 inch pointed, oval leaflets, creating lacy pattern. Foliage expands pinkish and bronzy red, then turns to soft light green. Picks up purple and bronze tints in fall; often turns fiery crimson in winter, especially in sun and with some frost. Pinkish white or creamy white blossoms in loose, erect, 6 - 12 inch clusters at branch ends, late spring or early summer. If plants are grouped, shiny red berries follow the flowers; single plants seldom fruit as heavily. Berries supply winter food for birds; clusters cut for holiday decorations last a long time. [Bender, Steve, Southern Living Garden Book, The. Oxmoor House, Inc., Book Division of Southern Progress Corporation, Birmingham, 1998]
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Alphabetical Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Family Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z
Genus Listings -- A B C D, E F G H I, J, K L M N, O P Q, R S T U, V W X, Y, Z