Quick answer: Red barberry (Mahonia haematocarpa) is native to 1 state. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM, Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry |
| Soil | Dry, rocky soils |
| Bloom | Feb-Jun |
| Height | Up to 12 ft, typically 3-8 ft |
| Wildlife value | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 15 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Red barberry
Where is Red barberry native?
Red barberry (Mahonia haematocarpa) is native to Arizona. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Red barberry bloom?
Red barberry blooms Feb-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Red barberry need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Dry. Soil: Dry, rocky soils. Mature height: Up to 12 ft, typically 3-8 ft.
Is Red barberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Red barberry is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy Red barberry?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 15 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Mahonia haematocarpa by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Red barberry.
- Candy barrel cactus (fishhook barrel) Ferocactus wislizeni
- Fairy duster Calliandra eriophylla
- Parry's penstemon Penstemon parryi
- Anderson wolfberry Lycium andersonii
- Beavertail prickly pear Opuntia basilaris
- Chuparosa Justicia californica
Also listed under
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