Common Barberry, European barberry
Berberis vulgaris
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It loses its leaves during winter. It grows about 2.5-3.5 m tall. It has several stems. It has spines. The spines are grouped in threes. The leaves and flowers grow on short side shoots in the axils of the spines. The leaves are dark green above and pale green underneath. They are alternate and 2.5-5 cm long. The flowers are yellow and occur in hanging clusters. They are 6 mm across. The fruit are red berries. They are 1.25 cm long. They contain 2-3 small seeds. They are edible.
There are about 450-500 Berberis species. It is an alternate host for wheat rust.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate places. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It is not tolerant of salt spray. They will grow in a range of soils. They are cold hardy. It suits hardiness zones 3-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Afghanistan, Africa, Albania, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Balkans, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia, Britain, Bulgaria, Canada, Caucasus, Central Asia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Europe, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Moldova, Netherlands, North Africa, North America, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Tasmania, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, USA, Yugoslavia
How it is used for food
CAUTION: Plants in this group are slightly poisonous. The fruit are tart but rich in Vitamin C and used for jelly, jam and sweets. Also for drinks. They are also dried. The young leaves are eaten raw in salads or as seasoning for meats. The fruit are used to flavour rice dishes in Afghan cooking.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Fruit, herb, root - spice, leaves
How it is grown
It can be grown from fresh seed. Stored seed probably need cold stratification for 2-3 months before sowing. Plants can be grown from semi-ripe cuttings with a heel. Suckers can be removed and planted. Young stems can be encouraged to root by layering
Dried ripe barberries are about 10 mm long.
Its other names
Local names
Agracejo, Barbariss, Barbarys, Barberi eropa, Barberi kuning, Berberis, Berberry, Chatroa, Dracila, Fajisoska, Holy thorn, Jaundice berry, Kashmol, Kisel tran, K’otsakhuri, Kukerpuu, Murtillo, Navadni češmin, Nyulsom, Paaburitsud, Paburits, Paburitskad, Pipperidge bush, Piprage, Simsirika, Soska, Soskaborloya, Zareshk, Zutika