China
Habitat
native to central China
zone 6
Habit and Form
grows to 6' to 8' tall and 4' to 6' wide
upright, but dense and twiggy
opens at the base with age
an evergreen shrub
Foliage
evergreen, leathery leaves
dark green, shiny and heavily-spined
leaves are 2" to 4" long; 0.5" wide
alternate arrangement, but often in "whorl-like" appearance clusters at the nodes
develops a bronze or wine color in the fall and winter months
Flowers
yellow and small, but somewhat showy
typically abundant
blooms in April and May
Fruit
bluish-black berries in fall
inconspicuous
Bark
yellowish-brown
three spines at the nodes; 0.5" to 1.25" long
Culture
easily transplanted
prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils
full sun is best or light shade
tolerant of pruning, but looks best with natural growth
periodic rejuvenation pruning can be employed