Appearance

Growth form

It is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub, usually about 3–10 ft (1–3 m) tall, with slender cane-like stems.

Leaves

Each large compound leaf divides two or three times into many smooth-edged leaflets. New growth may be reddish, and cold weather can deepen the red color.

Flowers

Small pinkish-white flowers form upright clusters in late spring.

Fruit

Round fruit ripens bright red in fall and may remain through winter. Each fruit usually contains two seeds.

Look-alikes

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• landscaped yards
• woodland edges
• forests
• floodplains

Range

It was brought to the United States as an ornamental in the early 1800s. It is widely planted and has naturalized in several southeastern states. It is considered invasive in parts of the Southeast, including Florida.

Preferred conditions

It tolerates sun or shade and can spread in moist woods and floodplains.

Life cycle

Seed dispersal

Wildlife can carry the seeds away after eating the fruit, and the plant also spreads from underground stems and root pieces.

Cautions

Cautions

The fruit contains cyanogenic compounds and can be toxic when eaten in quantity.

Connected species

Ties with other wildlife

Birds may eat and spread the fruit, but heavy consumption has caused cyanide poisoning in Cedar Waxwings.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Compact and red-leaved cultivars are grown. Some cultivars make little or no fruit.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed

Threats

In invaded woodlands, dense stands can shade out native seedlings and other low plants.

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• The name heavenly bamboo refers to its cane-like stems, but this shrub belongs to the barberry family.