Channel Island Barberry (Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis )

Mar 2025

Channel Island Barberry (berberis pinnata ssp. insularis), also known as Island Barberry or Catalina Barberry, is a rare and endangered plant species native to the Channel Islands off the coast of Southern California. It is a member of the barberry family, Berberidaceae, and is known for its attractive evergreen foliage and vibrant yellow flowers.

 A small, multi-stemmed evergreen tree/shrub that typically tops out at 10 ft. in height. It has shiny, leathery, deep green leaves that have sharp, spiny edges and are arranged in a spiral pattern along the stems.

In spring and summer, Channel Island barberry produces showy clusters of bright yellow flowers. It's berries are eaten by birds,fox & other wildlife; native tribes used the berries both as food & medicine.

Acquired: Spring 2025; California Botanic Garden; Cost:$7.00

Mar 2025

In a prior life, I was a small-boat sailor & spent considerable time sailing the waters & exploring the Channel Islands. We spent many summer vacations visiting the island group, primarily Santa Cruz, so when I saw this plant in the nursery at the Botanic Garden, I brought him home in honor of the days & weeks spent there.

Unfortunately, this plant was one of the four plants that were involved in the accidental application of full-strength fertilizer, causing chemical burns & killing 1 of the 4; the survivors all carry the scars of that incident & will no-doubt suffer long-term consequences. 

Feb 2026

The Barberry was completely de-foliated & the main stem (juvenile trunk) had turned black at the top & looked to be spreading downward..I figured that this plant was "done", but set him in a corner & left him alone. 

So, I was more than a little surprised & pleased when he suddenly started to bud & actually threw a leaf..& then another..I should have realized that to survive extinction of your species & to do so in a less than ideal environment, such as a desert island in a windward passage, requires toughness & more than a little resilience..in other words, this plant is one tough SOB.

I am looking forward to watching & chronicling his growth, going forward.

(Updates will appear Here)

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