Barberry
Berberis Vulgaris
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Description
Berberis vulgaris, also known as common barberry, is a shrub in the genus Berberis. It produces yellow flowers in early spring, followed by small red berries. The berries are edible but extremely sour. The species is native to central and southern Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia. It is also naturalized in northern Europe, including the British Isles and Scandinavia, and in scattered locations in North America.B. vulgaris is a deciduous shrub growing to 1–3 m (rarely 4 m) high. The leaves are oval, 2–5 cm (0.8–2.0 in) long and 1–2 cm (0.4–0.8 in) broad, with an entire or finely serrated margin. The flowers are yellow, 4–6 mm (0.16–0.24 in) diameter, produced on 3–6 cm (1.2–2.4 in) long panicles of 20–40 together in late spring. The fruit is a small red berry 6–10 mm (0.24–0.39 in) in diameter, ripening in late summer or autumn; they are edible but very sour.
Growing Details
Barberry is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. Barberry is also tolerant of drought and salt.
Edible Parts
Leaves
Fruit
Flowers
Tags
Hedge
Attracts Wildlife
Sacrificial Plant
Windbreak
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of Berberis Vulgaris recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: GBIF.org — Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
Geolocation: Krcedin
Region: Europe - Panonian plain
Language: english
Native: Yes
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 30 days
Fruiting:
beginning
of September for 30 days
Seed Start:
beginning
of March
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(3/5)
Edible Uses: The berries can be used to make jams, jellies, and pies, or can be used as a flavoring for other foods.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
Medicinal Uses: Barberry has a long history of medicinal use dating back to the Ancient Egyptians. It was used to treat digestive disorders, malaria, and smallpox. The plant is still used medicinally in many parts of the world today.
Health Concerns: Berberine, a quaternary ammonium salt, can be found in the roots, rhizomes, stems, and leaves of barberry. This alkaloid has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be used as a bitter tonic.
Other Uses: Barberry can be used as a hedge or ornamental plant. The wood is hard and can be used for making furniture and other wood products. The plant can also be used for tanning leather.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical Data
Specie: Berberis Vulgaris
Common Names: žutika, European Barberry, Common Barberry
Family: Berberidaceae
Sub Family: Berberidoideae
Tribe: Berberideae
Sub Tribe: Berberideae
Genus: Berberis
Growing Conditions
Area Needed: 3.0 m
Spacing: 3.0 m
Growing Difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15°C / 10°C / 30°C
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15°C / -20°C / 30°C
Water: Low
Humidity:
Light: Medium
Root Type: Shallow
Frost Tender: Low
Hardness:
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(5/10)
First Harvest: 2 years
Lifespan: None years
Succession: Pioneer
Growth Rate: Medium
Max Height: 3.0 m
Max Width: 2.0 m
Soil Preference:
pH Preference:
Flower Type:
Hermaphrodite
Growth Details: Barberry is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils as long as they are well-drained. Barberry is also tolerant of drought and salt.
Potential Disturbances:
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