If you’ve ever spent time gardening in the South, chances are you’ve seen nandina — also called “heavenly bamboo” — growing in yards, lining sidewalks, or tucked into foundation beds. It’s a classic landscaping plant for a reason: it’s hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and it offers year-round beauty with ever-changing foliage.
But there’s one reason I’m very selective about the types of nandina I bring into my yard: the berries.
The Problem with Berries
Traditional nandina varieties produce bright red berries in late fall and winter. They look festive, even beautiful, against the backdrop of green and burgundy foliage. Unfortunately, those berries can be highly toxic to birds and other wildlife — including pets.
Several documented cases have shown birds, especially cedar waxwings, dying after ingesting too many nandina berries. These berries contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can cause cyanide poisoning in animals. What’s worse is that birds often consume them during the winter when food sources are scarce, making them even more dangerous during a time when we want to help wildlife—not harm it.
A Safer, Smarter Alternative
Thankfully, plant breeders and responsible nurseries have taken note. There are now many beautiful nandina cultivars available that do not produce berries. One of my favorites is the Blush Pink Nandina from Southern Living’s plant collection. It gives all the texture, color, and hardiness that I love about nandinas—without the risk to wildlife.
This particular variety stays compact, doesn’t flower heavily (which means no berries), and adds a lovely pinkish hue to the garden, especially during the cooler months. It’s well-behaved and doesn’t spread like some older nandina varieties can, which makes it a great choice for small garden beds or mixed borders.
Gardening with Purpose
As a gardener, one of the joys of planting is knowing you’re creating a space that’s not only beautiful but also hospitable to the creatures that share your space. Whether it’s butterflies on milkweed, bees on yarrow, or birds hopping through your shrubs, I want my garden to be a safe haven—not a hazard.
Choosing berry-free nandinas is a small but meaningful step in that direction. And let’s be honest—it’s still a gorgeous plant!
🌿 Recommended Nandina Varieties (No Berries)
Here are a few nandinas that are known not to produce berries and still bring beautiful foliage and form to your landscape:
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‘Blush Pink’ Nandina (Southern Living Plant Collection)
Compact and colorful with blush-pink new growth; no berries. -
‘Obsession’ Nandina
Rich red new growth, compact shape, and no berry production. -
‘Flirt’ Nandina
Dwarf size, deep red foliage in cool weather, and berry-free. -
‘Harbor Belle’ Nandina
Great low-growing choice for borders and mass plantings; doesn’t fruit. -
‘Lemon-Lime’ Nandina
Vivid chartreuse foliage, especially striking in full sun; no berries.