Berberis canadensis
Similar to Berberis thunbergii DC.
Japanese barberry resembles American barberry (Berberis canadensis), which grows in dry woods or bluffs in East Tennessee. Distinguishing features are the sharply toothed leaves and three pronged spines of American barberry. In most habitats, Japanese barberry is easily recognizable because of its distinctive coloration. American barberry is listed as a rare plant (Special Concern) in Tennessee.