Plant Profile: Nandina domestica

Nandina is a popular ornamental evergreen shrub that stands upright and is celebrated for its striking bright red berries. This plant tends to produce suckers and readily reseeds itself, sometimes leading to naturalization in the wild. With a cane-like structure, it can reach heights of 6 to 8 feet. In disturbed areas, it can become weedy, often persisting after being planted and even escaping into the surrounding environment. On rare occasions, it has formed dense colonies in forested areas. Nandina blooms in late spring and produces ornamental fruits, showcasing reddish new growth and fall foliage that can vary significantly among different cultivars, both seasonally and annually. This plant offers visual appeal throughout the year.

Nandina thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to shade and can adapt to various soil types, although it prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. It is resilient to extreme soil conditions and exposure, and it is generally free from pests and diseases. The plant features unbranched, upright canes, but may become leggy if not pruned. It is drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant, slightly salt-tolerant, and notably resistant to deer damage. Ideal uses for Nandina include informal hedges, shrub borders, or woodland gardens. For maximum visual impact, it is best planted in groups or mass plantings.

**Quick Identification Tips:**

**Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Concerns:** Due to its tendency to spread easily and potentially become invasive, it is advisable to consider native plants for your landscape. Additionally, both the leaves and berries of Nandina are toxic to livestock and other domestic animals, as the berries contain cyanide, which can be harmful to birds if ingested in large quantities.