May. The fruit, which is usually eaten by birds, is bright red changing to black. It is effective in July and August. Zone 5 to 8. Spring planting recommended. This densely branched, rounded shrub is one of the first to leaf out in the spring.
Foliage is bright green turning orange, scarlet, and reddish purple in autumn.
The foliage tends to hide the small yellow flowers, but the bright red berries are showy beginning in October and continuing into winter. Berberis koreana, Korean barberry is similar and also recommended. Stiff, herringbone pattern of branching is interesting all year. Glossy green leaves turn a bronzy-red to purple in fall. The small, pink flowers are attractive at a close range.