Although a popular ornamental shrub, the berries are toxic to birds,[2] especially towards the end of the winter when other food sources become scarce.

The fruit is a bright red berry, 5–10 mm diameter, ripening in late autumn and often persisting through the winter.

In Shanghai berried sprays of nandina are sold in the streets at New Year, for the decoration of house altars and temples.

[11] Excessive consumption of the berries will kill birds such as cedar waxwings,[12] because they are subject to cyanide toxicosis, resulting in death to multiple individuals at one time.

It has been observed in the wild in Florida in Gadsden, Leon, Jackson, Alachua and Citrus counties, in conservation areas, woodlands and floodplains.

[17] In general, the purchase or continued cultivation of non-sterile varieties in the southeastern United States is discouraged.

[18] Although grown extensively in Texas because of its tolerance for dry conditions, fruiting varieties of Nandina are considered invasive there.