This is a large evergreen shrub that if left unpruned can grow to 2.5m tall.
Long arching branches are produced from the central base of straight woody stems which can give the plant an attractive pendulous look.
The leaves are leathery, deep green with a slight blue tinge to the underside. They are narrowly elliptical with a sharp spine at the tip. So wearing gloves is recommended when handling these plants.
In late spring to early summer golden yellow flowers are borne in clusters along the stems.
The mass of flowers adds colour to your garden. In the late summer to autumn blue black berries are produced.
Berberis stenophylla makes a great addition to cooler climate gardens where it can be used as a feature, as part of a shrubbery or when pruned regularly as hedging.