Nandina - Heavenly, or Sacred Bamboo

Nandina domestica

MG Nancy Miller shares these pictures of her Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina domestica.

Despite its name, this plant is not a member of the bamboo family, but the barberry family.  It is native to East Asia.


According to this Virginia Tech fact sheet,

Heavenly bamboo is a medium-large upright shrub. In late spring it bears showy white flowers and in the late fall/winter it has attractive reddish foliage (sun) and large clusters of red berries. This species can tolerate full sun or full shade and is drought tolerant. There are several dwarf cultivars that are suitable for small spaces.

Nandina domestica

The berries are considered mildy toxic if ingested, although birds appear to be immune and are the chief means of dispersal.  Some southern states consider it weedy or invasive, although Texas welcomes it, because of its drought tolerance.