Allegheny barberry, American barberry
Berberis canadensis
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 1.8 m high. The branches are purple or brown. The leaves have wide teeth. The leaves are 7.5 cm long. There a thorns with 3 prongs. The flowers are yellow. The fruit are red berries. The fruit are 9 mm wide.
There are about 450-500 Berberis species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils. It is cold hardy. It can grow in sun or light shade. It cannot tolerate waterlogging. It suits hardiness zones 4-8.
Countries/locations it is found in
Canada, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The fruit are acidic. They are used in preserves or cooked desserts. A few leaves can be eaten fresh or added to salads.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit, leaves