Colorful mystery bush

[sid]

Hi! I thought I would share these photos of the bush next to my front porch steps. I have no idea what it is, but I doubt if it's anything exotic. Anyone know? It's extremely prickly, I know that much! There's a second, smaller bush tangled up in it, so you'll glimpse leaves that don't match the rest.

I live in south-eastern Wisconsin, a few miles from Lake Michigan. I've inherited the 100-year-old house I grew up in, and if the saga of my adventures as a first-time homeowner might interest you, check out my alter-ego, alsosid. I was just posting these photos there and thought they would fit in over here, too.


This first photo was taken October 3rd. The bush was just beginning to change color in a few spots.


The other two pictures were taken today. Eventually this will all turn to red.

Comments

[thistleburr]

To me it looks like Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii). Japanese barberry is a harmful invasive plant in the US. It spreads to nearby wild areas, crowds out native plants, damages soil so native plants can't thrive, and is generally bad for the ecosystem here. If you want more information, here's a link.

[sid]

I'll bet that's right. I started with the link you gave me and then began looking at other images. I found one that looked a lot like my bush and clicked on the picture. It took me to this page. I've got the Norway maple in the back yard, the barberry in the front, and had a Tree of Heaven removed a few months ago! Three out of four on the invasive plant hit list. *head/desk*

[thistleburr]

Haha, wow. And yeah I'd be willing to bet money that's a Japanes barberry. They have a very distinctive look to them, although there are multiple cultivars. Anyway good for you for at least caring about the invasives! I wish more people did.

[sid]

I'm learning!

[lark_ascends]

Isn't it horrible how invasive plants can be so pretty?

[sid]

'tis the reason they get imported in the first place, I suppose. I'll miss it when it's gone. :-(

[peoriapeoriawhereart]

Have you considered a nine-bark or an elder, depending on the conditions?

[sid]

I don't even know what those are! :-D

No, it's not time to think about it until I get the porch completely rebuilt. It's definitely showing its age.

ETA: Oh, is an elder the same things as an elderberry bush? We used to have a couple of those in the back yard when I was growing up. I've looked at some nine-bark pictures, and they're quite lovely. Thanks for the suggestions!