« Browse By Botanical Name

Nandina domestica

Accession Count: 37
Common Name: dwarf sacred bamboo
    • Select which
      accessions to find:




































Family Name: Berberidaceae
Botanical Name: Nandina domestica
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar: 'Compacta'
Characteristics: Nandina domestica cultivar ‘Compacta’ is an upright, rhizomatous, evergreen shrub with sparse branching (1), (2) and erect, cane-like stems (3).  Although perennial, N. domestica exhibits deciduousness as stems may die down during the winter, especially in certain cultivars (1). Leaves are alternate, and bi- or tri-pinnately compound, with wedge-shaped bases and acuminate tips (4). The ‘Compacta’ cultivar is smaller than the straight species, being 4-5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, and has more finely textured, lacy foliage (4). In the spring, leaves are red-tinted, green during the summer, while bronzing during the winter (5). In addition, ‘Compacta’ possesses more canes and numerous narrow leaflets (6), with more strikingly red winter foliage (4) than Nandina domestica straight. Flowers are small, white, and star shaped, with large yellow anthers (7). They appear in loose terminal panicles on the end of stems (5), (1). If sited in groups, flowers are followed by shiny red, two-seeded berries that persist into winter (7), (1).
Compound: Nan dom Com
Geographic Origin: China, Japan
Ecozone Origin: Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Nandina domestica was named by Carl Peter Thunberg and published in Nova Genera Plantarum 1: 14. (1781) (8). Thunberg named N. domestica after the Japanese common name, nanten, which means “southern sky” (9). In Japanese, nanten has the same pronunciation as “problems that turn for the better”, symbolizing the plant’s cultural association with good luck (9). N. domestica is a very important plant in Japanese culture, which resulted in an explosion in the number of cultivars during the Edo Period (1603 -1868), where over 200 varieties were developed. The popularity of N. domestica has been said to rival the Tulipmania of 17th century Holland (9). Although only 65 cultivars currently exist in Japan, the plant remains popular, and a national Nandina Society has been established (10). In Europe and America, nanten has been grown for over 200 years. It was first brought to western gardens by William Kerr, who sent a sample to London in 1804, where the plants were kept in a greenhouse (10). American cultivars were developed as dwarf varieties or with more distinctive foliage than the straight species (9). The cultivar ‘Compacta’ was grown from these smaller varieties of Nandina domestica that were cultivated in western society (11). In the southeastern United States, N. domestica is considered an invasive species, with planting discouraged. In addition, because of the toxic berries, non-fruiting cultivars are recommended to preserve local wild-life and prevent the spread of the plant. Cultivars, like ‘Compacta’, which produce an abundant crop of fruit, are especially discouraged in the Southeast United States because of these dangers (12).
Cultivation Notes: Nandina domestica ‘Compacta’ is very tolerant of poor soil condition and quality (5), with soil pH ranging from 4.5 to 8.5, and with soil texture ranging from some sand to mostly clay (7). However, too much sand can inhibit growth (5), and soil must be well-draining (13). Rich, moist soil with humus or mulch is recommended for the best results (1), (14). Keep moist with weekly watering (15) – although mature plants develop some drought tolerance, water is needed more frequently during the summer (1). N. domestica ‘Compacta’ prefers full sun, tolerating afternoon shade(1). Propagation is possible through seed, stem or rhizome cuttings (7). When propagating from seed, consider that clonal characteristics may disappear. When planting, consider that plants growing singly do not fruit as heavily, while those planted in groups produce more abundantly (16).  Further, since the poisonous berries may do harm to wildlife, take care to protect animals during fruiting season (17). To ensure the most attractive plants, prune by removing diseased, dead, or damaged branches, and after flowering (7).
Ethnobotany: In Japan, the straight species N. domestica was considered to bring good fortune. When planted beside buildings and door-ways, the plant protects a household from harm. In addition, if a member of the household has a bad dream, they can confide in the shrub to ensure the safety of the home (9). N. domestica was used in many forms of Japanese decoration, such as ikebana and kadomatsu. Ikebana includes placing branches, leaves, grasses, and flowers in a vase following strict guidelines; while kadomatsu is used to celebrate the Japanese New Year (9). For kadomatsu, Japanese black pine, and true bamboo were cut to reveal the hollow interior, often including N. domestica berries and foliage (9). The decoration was placed on both sides of a gate or doorway, serving as a home for the Kami, or gods, to bring good fortune to the household (9). 
In Shanghai, berried sprays of N. domestica were sold during New Year to decorate houses, altars, and temples (10). However, in the United States, the toxic nature of Nandina has prevented ethnobotanical use other than as an ornamental plant, and no specific uses of the ‘Compacta’ cultivar have been noted.
Height: 0 - 5 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: ForeSummer
Color: White
Function: Accent
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Invasive
Toxicity: Toxic
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Moderate Water Use
Citations:

 1. Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

 2. Master Gardener Newspaper Articles. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

 3. Kiefer Nursery. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

 4. Oregon State University Landscape Plants. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

 5. Mortellaro’s Nursery. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

 6. Southern Living. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

 7. Backyard Gardener. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

 8. Tropicos. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

 9. Seattle Japanese Garden. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

10. Project Noah. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

11. The Tree Center. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

12. Home & Garden Information Center. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

13. Tree Town USA. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.

14. Evergreen Nursery. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

15. Monrovia. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

16. Gardenia. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020. 

17. Pennlive. Retrieved March 23rd, 2020.  

Alert

Nandina domestica