Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis
Island barberry, Island Barberry
Photo: parent species Berberis pinnata · (c) 114397479669890378989, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Berberidaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis (Island barberry) is a native California shrub in the Berberidaceae family, recognized by Channel Islands endemic, larger size, blue vs red fruits.
Island barberry is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in the northern Channel Islands in closed-cone pine forest, oak woodland, and chaparral at elevations below 350 meters. Flowering from February to April, this plant produces yellow flowers in clusters 3 to 7.5 centimeters long. Growing 2 to 4 meters tall with upper stems reclining to weakly erect, it forms a distinctive branching structure. Its compound leaves have dentate to serrate margins with small spines less than 1 millimeter long, creating a delicate textured appearance. The shrub's unique island habitat and compact growth make it a distinctive member of the Channel Islands' endemic flora.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; Channel Islands endemic, larger size, blue vs red fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Closed-cone-pine forest, oak woodland, chaparral
Elevation: < 350 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, Ventura
Bloom period
Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis blooms Feb-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2 · Endangered
How to tell it apart
vs Quercus: Berberis has compound leaves or simple leaves with regular spiny teeth; Quercus has simple lobed leaves with irregular lobes.; vs Ilex: Berberis has compound leaves or alternate simple leaves; Ilex has only simple leaves that are spirally arranged.; vs Pyracantha: Berberis has yellow flowers and compound or simple spiny-edged leaves; Pyracantha has white flowers and simple leaves with thorns on stems.; vs Rosa: Berberis has yellow flowers with 6 petals; Rosa has pink-white flowers with 5 petals and compound leaves with paired leaflets.; vs Rhaphiolepis: Berberis has yellow flowers and spiny-toothed leaves; Rhaphiolepis has white-pink flowers and simple leaves with smooth or finely toothed edges.
Frequently asked questions
Is Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis native to California?
Yes. Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis bloom?
Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis blooms Feb-Apr.
Where in California does Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis grow?
Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis occurs in Santa Barbara, Ventura, at elevations of < 350 m.
What plant family does Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis belong to?
Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis is in the Berberidaceae family, genus Berberis.
Is Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis rare or endangered?
Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.