Quercus

Heavenly Bamboo

Nandina domestica

Not native to Kentucky

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An invasive, cane-forming shrub with finely divided leaves and persistent red fruit.

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

2CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including KY

Genus host records with ranges including KY · Nandina

  • Megalopyge opercularisSouthern Flannel Moth, Puss Caterpillar
  • Spodoptera eridaniaSouthern Armyworm Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Berberidaceae
Hardiness
Zones 6a–9b
Soil pH
Acidic to alkaline
Flower color
White
Growth rate
Rapid
Growth habit
Several stems
Foliage color
Green
Fruit begins
Summer
Fruit ends
Fall

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Choose a locally appropriate native alternative. Berries and foliage are toxic; fruit can harm birds. NC State Extension

Growing sources and scope

Recognizing it

Large leaves divide two or three times into leaflets. White flower clusters mature into red berries. Identification source

Also known as

Nandina; Sacred Bamboo

Conservation status

Kentucky rankSNA
Global rankGNR
KY statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources