The fruit on female plants turn a bright red in fall and persist into winter. A male variety must also be planted for pollination and fruit set. They should be planted in protected areas, such as the east side of a house. Its green leaves change to orange or reddish purple in the fall. The Japanese barberry produces small, oval-shaped fruit which turn bright red in the fall and persist into winter.
Many varieties are available.
Most possess reddish- purple foliage. It produces small, white flowers in spring, followed by red berries in fall. The common name chokeberry is derived from the astringent taste of the fruit. Red chokeberry grows 6 to 10 feet tall. Brilliantissima' is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8.