by Zac Swaim
A fast-spreading invasive plant is raising concerns locally and with state officials as Japanese barberry continues to expand in wooded areas in Morgan County and statewide.
One local resident reported that dense growth of the shrub is seen along Cold Run Valley, noting that what was once a small number of plants has multiplied rapidly in recent years.
Residents can see the bright green shrubs in early spring standing out in forested areas.
Areas that were once a mix of native vegetation are now increasingly dominated by the thick, thorny shrub. 
Japanese barberry, a thorny shrub originally introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in the 1800s, has since become widely established across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. It is hardy and has an ability to grow in a variety of conditions, but those same traits have allowed it to spread aggressively beyond cultivated areas.
Now considered an invasive species, Japanese barberry can outcompete native plants and significantly alter forest ecosystems. Its dense growth can crowd out native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and changing the structure of forest understories, say tree experts.
The plant spreads primarily through seeds carried by birds and forms dense, spiny thickets that can dominate forest understories. Deer avoid feeding on the plant, which is very prickly, allowing it to spread more easily in wooded environments where other vegetation is heavily browsed by deer.
The environmental impact of Japanese barberry may also extend to public health. The National Park Service reports that dense stands of the shrub can create humid conditions near the ground, which support higher tick survival rates and can lead to increased tick populations in infested areas.
These conditions can increase the likelihood of human contact with ticks in areas where the plant is widespread.
Ticks are known carriers of diseases such as Lyme disease, which is present in West Virginia and throughout the surrounding region. While the plant itself does not cause disease, experts say its ability to create favorable conditions for ticks makes it a concern for both environmental and public health.
In response to its spread, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture has outlawed the sale of Japanese barberry since July of 2020, citing its invasive nature and environmental impact. The move is part of a broader effort to limit the introduction and spread of invasive species across the state.
For residents, the plant can be identified by its small leaves, sharp spines and distinctive yellow inner stems when cut. It also produces bright red berries that often persist into the winter, making it easier to spot even in colder months.
Experts recommend removing the plant where possible, using protective gloves due to its thorns. Smaller plants can be pulled by hand, especially after rainfall when the soil is softer. Larger infestations may require cutting, digging out rootballs and targeted herbicide treatment to prevent regrowth.
The Potomac Valley Audubon Society, which oversees several nature preserves in the Eastern Panhandle including Eidolon in western Morgan County, has Japanese Barberry on their active list of Invasive Shrubs.
A corps of “Weed Warriors” is trained by the society to monitor, cut and remove these invasives from natural areas to restore the native ecosystem of plants and critters.
In addition to removal, area residents are encouraged to consider native shrub varieties when landscaping to support the natural regional ecosystem.
Plants such as winterberry holly, ninebark and chokeberry can provide similar visual appeal without the ecological risks associated with invasive species.
As Japanese barberry continues to spread in the region, officials encourage residents to learn how to identify it and take steps to prevent further growth.
Increased awareness and early removal efforts may play a key role in limiting its impact on local ecosystems and reducing conditions that support tick populations, say plant biologists and forestry experts.
