Many of them are great for hedges meant to keep trespassers out andadd privacy to your yard.
Whileshrubsdominate the list, there are also many trees, vines, and succulents that are thorny.
Some of the plants bear berries that attract wildlife and change seasonally to create greater landscape interest.
David Beaulieu
Here are 15 plants with thorns that add value to your yard.
Japanese Barberry
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Japanese barberry is adeciduousshrub bristling with sharp thorns.
It forms a classic hedge to discourage trespassing.
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The foliage turns red, orange, purple, or yellow in the fall.
The red berries persist for months, affording winter interest.
A no-fuss plant, it mainly needs good drainage.
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Japanese barberry is consideredinvasivein several states in the Midwest and the eastern United States.
It is known for its thorny branches and dense foliage.
Candy Oh Rose
This deciduous bush blooms all summer and into fall without much maintenance.
David Beaulieu
Deadheadingis not required for reblooming.
Wear gloves if you prune it.
In size, it is similar to Candy Oh, so many growers don’t bother to prune it.
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This variety is valued for its disease resistance, especially against issues likepowdery mildew,black spot, andrust.
Blushing Knockout Rose
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Blushing Knockout bears fragrant, semi-double pink flowers.
No deadheading is required.
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Prune out a third of the oldest branches to focus energy on making healthy new branches.
This thorny plant doesn’t much mind poor soils, high winds, or drought.
Prune in late winter or early spring to manage the size and shape.
David Beaulieu
Red flower carpet rose has good disease resistance and bears fragrant single, red roses in clusters.
All it demands is well-drained soil and occasional feeding with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
Warning
Hollies are toxic.
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Exercise caution when children or pets will be present.
It needs Blue Prince, a pollinator, to produce its red berries.
It has an attractive flower and demands only full sun and sandy soil for excellent drainage.
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It also sports an attractive flower cluster.
Bougainvillea
This thorny vine enlivens many a yard in warm climates, often scaling courtyard walls.
Water regularly if growing it in full sun.
David Beaulieu
The plant profits from regular pruning to shape it and from monthly feeding when it is actively growing.
Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Plants.National Capital Poison Center Poison Control.
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David Beaulieu
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