In the genus, Berberis L., Barberry is a plant you best avoid. The Japanese (Berberis thundbergii) species, as well as Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), is prohibited and classified as a noxious weed in some states.*
If that’s not reason enough, know that studies have shown Barberry attracts black-legged ticks, the tiny carriers of Lyme disease.
Learn to identify Barberry, then stay away from it.
*Meanwhile, gardeners and landscapers should be careful: depending on where you are reading this, you may encounter an endangered species of Barberry, Berberis candadensis.
