Gardening Guides
What to Plant Instead of Heavenly Bamboo
Consider these animal-friendly alternatives to a commonly used landscape shrub
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), also known as sacred bamboo, is a commonly used landscape shrub native to Asia, from India to Japan. The attractiveness of Nandina is in part its adaptability to a range of conditions, as well as the number of its available cultivars, seasonal fall foliage and sprays of red berries in winter that rival red-berried hollies.
A major problem with heavenly bamboo is that ingesting their berries and foliage can be highly toxic to wildlife — even fatal for birds — and to pets and other domesticated animals. This is particularly bad in late winter, when these berries may be among the only food remaining in a garden, and birds, particularly fruit eaters like cedar waxwings, feed on them and die. In addition, this plant is invasive in the southeastern U.S., where it has escaped cultivation and is displacing native vegetation in the wild.
There are a number of alternative shrubs, many native to North America, to use in place of heavenly bamboo in the landscape. If you know your site’s needs, you can substitute another shrub that is adapted to your conditions and reflects the character of your site.
Find more gardening guides for your specific U.S. region
A major problem with heavenly bamboo is that ingesting their berries and foliage can be highly toxic to wildlife — even fatal for birds — and to pets and other domesticated animals. This is particularly bad in late winter, when these berries may be among the only food remaining in a garden, and birds, particularly fruit eaters like cedar waxwings, feed on them and die. In addition, this plant is invasive in the southeastern U.S., where it has escaped cultivation and is displacing native vegetation in the wild.
There are a number of alternative shrubs, many native to North America, to use in place of heavenly bamboo in the landscape. If you know your site’s needs, you can substitute another shrub that is adapted to your conditions and reflects the character of your site.
Find more gardening guides for your specific U.S. region
Many bird species will eat Oregon grape’s blue berries.
Grapeholly
(Mahonia spp.)
Native to temperate climates in Asia and North America
The Mahonia genus includes several species with holly-like evergreen leaves. Among these are a couple species that will fill the landscape role of heavenly bamboo.
Water requirement: Oregon grape likes average to moist, well-drained soils; agarita does best in average to dry soils.
Light requirement: Full shade to partial sun for Oregon grape; algarita prefers full to partial sun.
Mature size: 2 to 6 feet tall and a little less wide; some compact cultivars of Oregon grape are available, growing to about 3 feet.
Grapeholly
(Mahonia spp.)
Native to temperate climates in Asia and North America
The Mahonia genus includes several species with holly-like evergreen leaves. Among these are a couple species that will fill the landscape role of heavenly bamboo.
- Oregon grape (M. aquifolium, USDA zones 5 to 8; find your zone) is a shade-tolerant native of the northwestern U.S. The nearly 1-foot-long leaves are compound, consisting of five to nine glossy spine-tipped leaflets. Some cultivars have foliage that changes color with the season. It typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall and about as wide. In late winter it blooms with long racemes of bright yellow flowers. These mature to bluish berries by early summer, which are consumed by several species of birds.
- Agarita (M. trifoliolata, zones 7 to 9) is native to the southwestern U.S., from west Texas through Arizona. This species prefers well-drained, rocky limestone soils and open woodlands. Its evergreen leaves consist of three gray-green leaflets edged with several sharp spines. Yellow flowers appear in late winter, followed by red berries by early summer. These are an important food sources for songbirds and quail. This shrub will grow 2 to 6 feet tall and wide.
Water requirement: Oregon grape likes average to moist, well-drained soils; agarita does best in average to dry soils.
Light requirement: Full shade to partial sun for Oregon grape; algarita prefers full to partial sun.
Mature size: 2 to 6 feet tall and a little less wide; some compact cultivars of Oregon grape are available, growing to about 3 feet.
‘Howard McMinn’ Vine Hill manzanita in a well-established San Francisco garden
Vine Hill Manzanita
(Arctostaphylos densiflora)
Native to Sonoma County, California
Vine Hill manzanita produces clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers in late winter to spring in California, developing red berries about five months later. This species is very rare in the wild, with only a single population in Sonoma County, California. It has been propagated in the nursery trade, and several cultivars are available. Notable among them is ‘Harold McMinn’. Vine Hill manzanita grows as an evergreen mounding shrub that can reach 7 feet tall, but it can be trained to grow much shorter with careful pruning. Besides the flowers and berries, this shrub features dramatic branching, with the red branches showing through the evergreen canopy. It is one of the easier manzanitas to grow, but be careful not to overwater it.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 10)
Water requirement: Average to dry soils
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
Mature size: Grows to 7 to 10 feet tall and about as wide
Vine Hill Manzanita
(Arctostaphylos densiflora)
Native to Sonoma County, California
Vine Hill manzanita produces clusters of pink bell-shaped flowers in late winter to spring in California, developing red berries about five months later. This species is very rare in the wild, with only a single population in Sonoma County, California. It has been propagated in the nursery trade, and several cultivars are available. Notable among them is ‘Harold McMinn’. Vine Hill manzanita grows as an evergreen mounding shrub that can reach 7 feet tall, but it can be trained to grow much shorter with careful pruning. Besides the flowers and berries, this shrub features dramatic branching, with the red branches showing through the evergreen canopy. It is one of the easier manzanitas to grow, but be careful not to overwater it.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (zones 6 to 10)
Water requirement: Average to dry soils
Light requirement: Full sun to light shade
Mature size: Grows to 7 to 10 feet tall and about as wide
A formal edging of dwarf yaupon holly in the Houston area
Holly
(Ilex spp.)
Native to temperate climates in Asia and North America
Hollies are probably the first plant that people think of if you say, “Green leaves and red berries.” While many species have prickly leaves, there are plenty that don’t. Their berries are important winter food sources for birds. There are many species of hollies appropriate to a variety of climates. Some noteworthy examples to replace heavenly bamboo include:
Holly
(Ilex spp.)
Native to temperate climates in Asia and North America
Hollies are probably the first plant that people think of if you say, “Green leaves and red berries.” While many species have prickly leaves, there are plenty that don’t. Their berries are important winter food sources for birds. There are many species of hollies appropriate to a variety of climates. Some noteworthy examples to replace heavenly bamboo include:
- Yaupon holly (I. vomitoria, zones 7 to 10) is an evergreen shrub that grows 3 to 5 feet tall and has a number of available cultivars. It features red berries that persist well into winter, providing birds with needed food. It’s native to the southeastern U.S., from southern Virginia to east Texas.
A row of inkberry shrubs forms a semiformal hedge to separate the driveway from the yard here.
Note: The leaves and berries of all holly species can be mildly toxic to humans and mammalian pets. But their prickly leaves often deter pets and children from eating them.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species, but the range is minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius, to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 10).
Water requirement: Average to moist soils; adaptable to a range of soils as long as they do not have a high pH.
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Varies depending on species and cultivar
- Inkberry (I. glabra, zones 5 to 9) is another North American shrub, native to coastal regions of the east coast, from Nova Scotia to Florida and west to Louisiana, with evergreen leaves and black berries. Compact cultivars like ‘Shamrock’ could be used on sites with moist soil.
- Common winterberry (I. verticillata, zones 3 to 9) has adapted to a wide variety of climates in its native range, east of the Mississippi River. This species is deciduous, with leaves turning yellow and falling off to reveal clusters of bright red fruit in the fall and winter. ‘Red Sprite’, a cultivar that grows 3 to 5 feet tall, is a good heavenly bamboo replacement.
Note: The leaves and berries of all holly species can be mildly toxic to humans and mammalian pets. But their prickly leaves often deter pets and children from eating them.
Where it will grow: Hardiness varies by species, but the range is minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 40 degrees Celsius, to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (zones 3 to 10).
Water requirement: Average to moist soils; adaptable to a range of soils as long as they do not have a high pH.
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Varies depending on species and cultivar
Dwarf yedda hawthorn (R. umbellata ‘Minor’) has red-tinged new foliage that looks similar to heavenly bamboo’s.
Indian Hawthorns
(Rhaphiolepis spp.)
Native to Asia
Indian hawthorns are evergreen shrubs; yedda hawthorn (R. umbellata) is the most commonly encountered species in the nursery trade. The shrubs are not true hawthorns, so they do not have thorns along their branches. Dense clusters of pink to white flowers appear in midspring, followed by edible dark berries that ripen in fall and can persist into winter. While they are not native to North America, birds feed on the plants’ berries.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 11)
Water requirement: Average to moist, well-drained soils; somewhat drought-tolerant once established
Light requirement: Full sun but will tolerate a little shade
Mature size: Generally 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, though cultivars range from 2 to 10 feet tall
Indian Hawthorns
(Rhaphiolepis spp.)
Native to Asia
Indian hawthorns are evergreen shrubs; yedda hawthorn (R. umbellata) is the most commonly encountered species in the nursery trade. The shrubs are not true hawthorns, so they do not have thorns along their branches. Dense clusters of pink to white flowers appear in midspring, followed by edible dark berries that ripen in fall and can persist into winter. While they are not native to North America, birds feed on the plants’ berries.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 11)
Water requirement: Average to moist, well-drained soils; somewhat drought-tolerant once established
Light requirement: Full sun but will tolerate a little shade
Mature size: Generally 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, though cultivars range from 2 to 10 feet tall
‘Grey Owl’ eastern redcedar offers dense foliage and an abundant supply of winter cones for birds.
Junipers
(Juniperus spp.)
Native to most of Northern Hemisphere
Junipers feature evergreen foliage in a variety of shapes, shades and sizes, and berries that are consumed by many birds, especially the cedar waxwing. This is another species that requires a male plant to set fruit.
‘Grey Owl’ eastern redcedar (J. virginiana ’Grey Owl’) is a medium-size shrub, growing to about 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It is a female, so it has the potential for producing lots of berries for birds in wintertime.
Also consider the Pfitzer junipers (J. x pfitzeriana) and their related cultivars. These are generally broad, low-growing shrubs with colors ranging from yellow to blue-green.
Where it will grow: Hardiness depends on the species, but junipers can be hardy to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 45.6 degrees Celsius (zones 2 to 9).
Water requirement: Dryish to moist, well-drained soils; does not like wet soils
Light requirement: Full sun but will tolerate some shade
Mature size: Varies depending on species and cultivar
Junipers
(Juniperus spp.)
Native to most of Northern Hemisphere
Junipers feature evergreen foliage in a variety of shapes, shades and sizes, and berries that are consumed by many birds, especially the cedar waxwing. This is another species that requires a male plant to set fruit.
‘Grey Owl’ eastern redcedar (J. virginiana ’Grey Owl’) is a medium-size shrub, growing to about 3 feet tall and 6 feet wide. It is a female, so it has the potential for producing lots of berries for birds in wintertime.
Also consider the Pfitzer junipers (J. x pfitzeriana) and their related cultivars. These are generally broad, low-growing shrubs with colors ranging from yellow to blue-green.
Where it will grow: Hardiness depends on the species, but junipers can be hardy to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 45.6 degrees Celsius (zones 2 to 9).
Water requirement: Dryish to moist, well-drained soils; does not like wet soils
Light requirement: Full sun but will tolerate some shade
Mature size: Varies depending on species and cultivar
If you like the look of junipers but do not have full sun, take a look at false cypress (Chamaecyparis spp.) and its cultivars. Notable among these is ‘Golden Mop’ sawara cypress (C. pisifera ‘Golden Mop’).
The dense reddish foliage of Razzleberri Chinese fringe flower fills in to cover the bare stalks of the bamboo in this San Francisco garden.
Chinese Fringe Flower
(Loropetalum chinense)
Native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia
This evergreen grows as an irregularly mounded shrub. Fringe-like white to pink flowers cover it in early spring, lasting two to three weeks. There are two forms: one with green leaves and white flowers, and another with red-tinged foliage and pink flowers. The red-tinged variety has been selected for a number of garden-worthy cultivars. Many of these cultivars reach 3 to 6 feet tall on their own.
This shrub takes pruning well, so keeping it to a smaller size or shape is not a difficult task. The fruit it produces is not particularly useful to wildlife; this shrub’s main value in the landscape is the colorful year-round foliage.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 9)
Water requirement: Average to moist soils; prefers moist, slightly acidic organic soils
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Species grow 6 to 10 feet tall; cultivars vary, with compact ones staying as small as 1 foot to 3 feet tall
Learn more about growing Chinese fringe flower
Chinese Fringe Flower
(Loropetalum chinense)
Native to China, Japan and Southeast Asia
This evergreen grows as an irregularly mounded shrub. Fringe-like white to pink flowers cover it in early spring, lasting two to three weeks. There are two forms: one with green leaves and white flowers, and another with red-tinged foliage and pink flowers. The red-tinged variety has been selected for a number of garden-worthy cultivars. Many of these cultivars reach 3 to 6 feet tall on their own.
This shrub takes pruning well, so keeping it to a smaller size or shape is not a difficult task. The fruit it produces is not particularly useful to wildlife; this shrub’s main value in the landscape is the colorful year-round foliage.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (zones 7 to 9)
Water requirement: Average to moist soils; prefers moist, slightly acidic organic soils
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Species grow 6 to 10 feet tall; cultivars vary, with compact ones staying as small as 1 foot to 3 feet tall
Learn more about growing Chinese fringe flower
I found this evergreen sumac growing in Big Bend National Park in Texas, in the mountains at about 5,500 feet. The orange-red berries are a winter food source for birds.
Evergreen and Littleleaf Sumacs
(Rhus virens and R. microphylla)
Native to the Southwest, from Texas to Arizona
These two sumac species are good alternatives to heavenly bamboo. Each typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall, with an equal or greater spread. If not pruned as a shrub, over time they each can become small trees, approaching 16 feet in height. They both take pruning well and can be maintained as hedges. Both species can handle full sun, while littleleaf sumac (R. microphylla) is a little more shade-tolerant. They grow in rocky or sandy soil and can both handle caliche.
Littleleaf sumac produces white flowers in midspring, with orange berries ripening in late summer and persisting into the fall. Evergreen sumac (R. virens) has somewhat showier white flowers in midsummer, with fruit ripening later in the fall. All sumacs have separate male and female plants; at least one of each is needed to get berries.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7); can handle desert heat
Water requirement: Dryish, well-drained soils
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Easily maintained at 3 to 6 feet tall, but can grow much larger over time
Evergreen and Littleleaf Sumacs
(Rhus virens and R. microphylla)
Native to the Southwest, from Texas to Arizona
These two sumac species are good alternatives to heavenly bamboo. Each typically grows 3 to 6 feet tall, with an equal or greater spread. If not pruned as a shrub, over time they each can become small trees, approaching 16 feet in height. They both take pruning well and can be maintained as hedges. Both species can handle full sun, while littleleaf sumac (R. microphylla) is a little more shade-tolerant. They grow in rocky or sandy soil and can both handle caliche.
Littleleaf sumac produces white flowers in midspring, with orange berries ripening in late summer and persisting into the fall. Evergreen sumac (R. virens) has somewhat showier white flowers in midsummer, with fruit ripening later in the fall. All sumacs have separate male and female plants; at least one of each is needed to get berries.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.8 degrees Celsius (Zone 7); can handle desert heat
Water requirement: Dryish, well-drained soils
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Easily maintained at 3 to 6 feet tall, but can grow much larger over time
The berries on viburnums, like this Blue Muffin viburnum, are relished by birds when they ripen in midfall.
Viburnums
(Viburnum spp.)
Native to many areas of North America, Europe and Asia
There are many species and cultivars of viburnums that can fill in for heavenly bamboo. They provide three-season interest, with late-spring flowers and good fall color. Many produce berries that provide food for birds late into the year. To get a good yield of berries, you need at least two genetically distinct specimans to ensure cross-pollination.
Look for the more compact cultivars to replace heavenly bamboo, such as Blue Muffin viburnum (V. dentatum ‘Christom’), which grows to 3 to 5 feet tall and about as wide, or ‘Bailey Compact’ American cranberrybush (V. opulus var. americanum ‘Bailey Compact’), which can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide.
Where it will grow: The two species mentioned here are hardy to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 45 degrees Celsius (zones 2 to 8).
Water requirement: Average to moist, well-drained soils; adapts to a range of soil types
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: From 3 to 12 feet tall, depending on species and cultivar
Viburnums
(Viburnum spp.)
Native to many areas of North America, Europe and Asia
There are many species and cultivars of viburnums that can fill in for heavenly bamboo. They provide three-season interest, with late-spring flowers and good fall color. Many produce berries that provide food for birds late into the year. To get a good yield of berries, you need at least two genetically distinct specimans to ensure cross-pollination.
Look for the more compact cultivars to replace heavenly bamboo, such as Blue Muffin viburnum (V. dentatum ‘Christom’), which grows to 3 to 5 feet tall and about as wide, or ‘Bailey Compact’ American cranberrybush (V. opulus var. americanum ‘Bailey Compact’), which can grow up to 5 feet tall and wide.
Where it will grow: The two species mentioned here are hardy to minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 45 degrees Celsius (zones 2 to 8).
Water requirement: Average to moist, well-drained soils; adapts to a range of soil types
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: From 3 to 12 feet tall, depending on species and cultivar
This mass of black chokeberry in Minneapolis is just beginning to develop its fall color. (Note the large number of black berries.)
Red and Black Chokeberries
(Aronia arbutifolia and A. melanocarpa)
Native to the eastern U.S., generally from Maine to east Texas
These are deciduous shrubs with good fall color and long-lasting berries for the birds. Red chokeberry (A. arbutifolia) has intense scarlet foliage in the fall, giving way to dangling clusters of red fruit. ‘Brilliantissima’ is the most commonly available cultivar; it grows slowly to 6 to 8 feet tall, with attractive red berries and foliage.
For a smaller plant, try black chokeberry (A. melanocarpa). It has black, rather than red, berries, and its fall foliage is deeper shades of gold to purple. It tolerates cold temperatures and wet soils a little better. ‘Autumn Magic’ and ‘Morton’ are two compact cultivars that can fit in many of the spots where heavenly bamboo is currently used.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 43 degrees Celsius (zones 2 to 7)
Water requirement: Moist to dry, well-drained soils
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Varies depending on species and cultivar
More
Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries
How to Find the Right Native Plants for Your Yard
Gardening guides for your U.S. region
Red and Black Chokeberries
(Aronia arbutifolia and A. melanocarpa)
Native to the eastern U.S., generally from Maine to east Texas
These are deciduous shrubs with good fall color and long-lasting berries for the birds. Red chokeberry (A. arbutifolia) has intense scarlet foliage in the fall, giving way to dangling clusters of red fruit. ‘Brilliantissima’ is the most commonly available cultivar; it grows slowly to 6 to 8 feet tall, with attractive red berries and foliage.
For a smaller plant, try black chokeberry (A. melanocarpa). It has black, rather than red, berries, and its fall foliage is deeper shades of gold to purple. It tolerates cold temperatures and wet soils a little better. ‘Autumn Magic’ and ‘Morton’ are two compact cultivars that can fit in many of the spots where heavenly bamboo is currently used.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 45 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 43 degrees Celsius (zones 2 to 7)
Water requirement: Moist to dry, well-drained soils
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: Varies depending on species and cultivar
More
Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries
How to Find the Right Native Plants for Your Yard
Gardening guides for your U.S. region
I’ve listed 10 shrubs that can be used in place of heavenly bamboo. Some of these have more particular growing requirements, but as a group they do cover a range of climates and conditions encountered across the U.S. While these substitute plants are not identical to heavenly bamboo, they have their own unique features and, depending on your landscape needs, may perform even better. In addition, many of these produce berries that benefit wildlife.
If you wish to keep your heavenly bamboo, consider removing the berries and disposing of them as winter approaches to prevent wildlife from feeding on them.