Family: Berberidaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Nandina domestica, commonly known as heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, is an evergreen shrub native to central and southern China and parts of eastern Asia. Despite its common name, it is not a true bamboo. This ornamental plant is valued for its delicate, bamboo-like foliage, clusters of white flowers, and bright red berries that provide year-round visual interest. Heavenly bamboo is widely planted in gardens and landscapes as a hedge, accent plant, or foundation shrub because of its drought tolerance, adaptability, and colorful seasonal foliage. Numerous cultivated varieties have also been developed for compact growth and ornamental appeal.

Risks & Threats
Although Nandina domestica is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that are cause for concern and could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if it escapes cultivation. The species produces abundant berries that are readily dispersed by birds, allowing it to spread into natural areas in regions where it has become invasive. Dense growth may outcompete native vegetation and alter understory plant communities. In addition, the berries and foliage contain compounds that can be toxic to pets, livestock, and wildlife if consumed in large quantities. Because of these risks, it is recommended that gardeners and landscapers choose low risk or native alternatives whenever such alternatives are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in multiple regions; forms dense, displacing thickets
  
• Category I environmental weed (Florida)
  
• Toxic to cattle, birds, cats, dogs (cyanogenic glycosides)
  
• Shade tolerant
  
• Spreads by rhizomes, root suckers, and resprouts after cutting
  
• Bird-dispersed; seeds survive gut passage
  
• Widely planted ornamental with high commercial value

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, or allelopathy
  
• Not climbing, aquatic, or N-fixing
  
• Controllable with herbicides (glyphosate, triclopyr)