Deciduous thorny shrub, usually grows circa 1-2 m tall which pale yellow flowers forming small clusters which will give red berries. Flowering is late, in April to May.The plant has an extensive root system with branched rhizomes.
Japanese barberry accepts various types of soils but prefers less acidic soils; it is full sun, part sun and shade tolerant.
A strong yellow dye can be extracted from the wood, root, bark, by cooking them in water. The extract contains alkaloids (berberine, berbamine, and oxyacanthine) and some soluble tannins. The main dye is berberine.
The stems, the leaves and the berries can also be used to give a yellow to coral colour. Dye is used in combination with or without mordent on wool and silk. Using an aluminum mordent the color turns to coral. The color has poor light fastness.
The plant also has antimicrobial and antifungal medicinal properties.
