Invasive SpeciesJapanese barberry

Berberis thunbergii
FOUND by kstjohn
2012-09-28
Portland
ID Confirmed
Quality checked by Keith, Krista, Ginny
Peer reviewed by
Field Notes
Our prediction was that we would not find the Japanese Barberry because the other sightings on the Vital Signs map were not close to this location. We chose the quadrant based on the fact we found the Japanese Barberry plant. We also noted other plants within the quandrant. Some items we identified were Fall Aster, Multi-flora Rose, Grass, Vetch, Bayberry, and two not identified. A prolific vine that had a 4 inch pod and dark green leaves. Also a yellow flowered plant that had pods after blooming. We also looked throughout the steps area and did not note any other Japanese Barberry. However there are many vined plants and some might be hiding under growth.
Supporting Evidence
Photo of my evidence.
Thorn at each joint.
Photo of my evidence.
Leaves are simple, alternate, oval with smooth edges.
Photo of my evidence.
This bush was approximately a meter tall.
Species Observation: Species Looked For
Did you find it?: 
I think I found it
Scientific name:
Berberis thunbergii
Common name:
Japanese barberry
Count of individuals: 
1-10
Coverage: 
Less than 1/4 covered
Reproduction: 
Vegetative structures (plants)
Sampling method: 
Quadrat (user-placement)
Photo of our sampling method.
Place Studied
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Map this species
Latitude: 
N 43.664650 °
Longitude: 
W -70.240430 °
Observation Site Information
A photo of our study site.
Habitat: 
Upland - Developed areas
Trip Information
Name:
Fort Allen Park Trail Steps
Trip date: 
Fri, 2012-09-28 22:13
Town or city: 
Portland
Type of investigation: 
Species and Habitat Survey
Ecosystem: 
Upland
Watershed: 
Presumpscot
Habitat Observations
Species diversity: 
8 different species
Evidence of vectors: 
Walking trail
People
Tree canopy cover: 
Open to 1/4 covered
Soil moisture: 
Dry

Comments

Submitted by fresh on Thu, 2012-10-18 19:07.

barberry

these don't like to be transplanted

Submitted by manyeyes on Mon, 2012-10-01 14:22.

thorny

Everyone should zoom in on kstjohn's Evidence #1 photo. What a perfect shot to show off those amazing thorns at each joint.

Good eyes to spot that solo plant in with other species that look similar. It looks from your site photo and method photo like prime habitat for barberry - are you concerned about it spreading?

Thank you for putting your find on the map in this well-traveled, but-still-woodsy part of Portland. Please visit it again and report back.

I agree with hingwersen that plant with pods that you described in your field notes may be invasive black swallowwort. Take a look at the species card and see what you think. It's another invasive species worth paying attention to and documenting the next time you're out looking around!

More posts, please, kstjohn!

Submitted by kkellyy15 on Fri, 2012-09-28 14:35.

Great use of the ruler to

Great use of the ruler to demonstrate size of the specimen! We also liked that you identified other species in the quadrat.

Submitted by hingwersen on Fri, 2012-09-28 14:34.

Your Barberry

I liked how you included other species in your quadrat site. The purple vine with the long seed pod was black swallow wort.The written description of the simple, alternate, oval leaves was well matched with the photo-clear eveidence!