Japanese barberry
Berberis thunbergii
FOUND by John and Carla2010-07-29
Castine, ME
ID Confirmed
Quality checked by Carla
Peer reviewed by John
Field Notes
We were on the edge of a grassy area at Maine Maritime Academy. From our vantage point we could see a parking lot and hear traffic. The over all area had many invasives. We were told that the area was a dump area for the lawn clippings, etc. The lighting was difficult to get clear pictures and we struggled initially with the focus. We did not make sketches, as they would probably embarrass us.
Supporting Evidence
It had small oval leaves with smooth edges.
It had one thorn at each joint.
The stem had a zigzag pattern.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?:
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Berberis thunbergiiCommon name:
Japanese barberry
Count of individuals:
Coverage:
Between 1/4 and 1/2
Reproduction:
Fruit (plants)
Sampling method:
Quadrat (user-placement)
Place Studied
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Latitude:
N 44.388480 °
Longitude:
W -68.804620 °
Observation Site Information
Name:
John and Carla's visit to Castine Maine Maritime
Habitat:
Upland - Developed areas
Trip Information
Name:
Castine Maine Maritime
Trip date:
Thu, 2010-07-29 14:00
Town or city:
Castine, ME
Type of investigation:
Species and Habitat Survey
Ecosystem:
Upland
Watershed:
Penobscot
Sampling Method:
Quadrat (user-placement)
Nearest waterbody:
Penobscot Bay
Habitat Observations
Species diversity:
7 different species
Evidence of vectors:
Paved road
People
Recent disturbance
Tree canopy cover:
Open to 1/4 covered
Soil moisture:
Moist
Comments
Ouch!
You found it.
Your string of written and photo evidence is perfect - leaves, thorns, stems. Thanks for making my job easy!
I see there's quite a tangle of species at your study site, and you mention that many are invasive species. Which do you think will out-compete the others in the long-term race for nutrients and sunlight? Does barberry have what it takes?
...and bring on the embarrassing "stick people" sketches! I want to see them.
Japanese Barberry
The Barberry is well documented and the quadrant photo looks like it is made up of all invasive species.
What a tangle!
Your closeup photos of the stem and thorns really allowed me to see your Barberry well. The site photo looks like you had your pick of invasives to report. Nice job.