What is Berberis?

Berberis is a genus of plants containing several hundred species found scattered across many regions of the world. These plants, also known as barberries, are highly variable in nature. They are grown ornamentally in some areas and are also used as a source of food and in butterfly and bird gardens. Garden supply stores often carry Berberis cultivars, as they are hardy in many regions, and it is also possible to order less common cultivars for specific purposes.

Some plants in this genus are evergreen, retaining green foliage year round. Others are deciduous and will drop their leaves in the fall. In addition to coming in the conventional green, the foliage can also be purple or red. Reddish barberries are popular as ornamental plants and there are a number of cultivars known by colorful names like “Autumn Glow.” In the fall, Berberis species produce small red berries. The berries are edible and rich in vitamin C, although they are not widely consumed by people.

These plants are infamous for having sharp barbs. It is important to wear thick gloves when handling a Berberis plant, and it is advisable to avoid composting cuttings, as the barbs break down slowly and may injure people handling the compost. The barbs also make harvesting the fruit a challenge to human beings, although birds freely eat the berries and some butterflies feed on the leaves.

Some regions have a history of using these plants to make dyes, usually in yellowish to orange hues. In addition, the berries are used in the production of candies and dried fruits and are a part of the cuisines of some regions of Europe and the Middle East. Berberis is cultivated commercially for such purposes and specialized equipment is used to harvest the berries with minimal injury. The colorful foliage can also be used in wreaths and flower arrangements, with care to avoid damage from the sharp spikes.

Gardeners interested in cultivating a Berberis can usually find a number of plants to choose from at a garden supply store. They should consider the planting carefully, as the plants are difficult to move. Some gardeners use these shrubs in hedges and other security measures, as they make a very effective fence and deterrent. Hedges can be pruned, trained, and trimmed into specific shapes to be decorative as well as functional. This shrub can be invasive in some regions, and gardeners may want to check local invasive plant listings before establishing it.