Berberis

Berberis, commonly known as barberry, is a genus of thorny shrubs in the family Berberidaceae. It comprises roughly 450 to 500 species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Most species have spiny shoots, simple alternate leaves, and racemes of small yellow flowers that lead to clustered berries.

Fruit color varies by species, including red, orange, and blue-black berries. Edibility also varies; some berries are eaten fresh or used in jams and preserves, while others are not commonly consumed. Several Berberis species are valued in horticulture for autumn color, drought tolerance, and evergreen or rugose foliage.

Common garden species include Berberis vulgaris (common barberry), Berberis thunbergii (Japanese barberry), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), and Berberis darwinii. These are used for hedges, screens, and ornamental borders in temperate gardens.

Ecology and disease: Berberis vulgaris can serve as an alternate host for Puccinia graminis, the stem rust pathogen of cereal crops, prompting eradication programs that remove barberry in affected areas. Some species have escaped cultivation and become invasive in parts of North America.

Etymology and chemistry: The genus name derives from Latin berberis. Berberis contains berberine, an alkaloid with antimicrobial properties that occurs in various tissues and has traditional medicinal uses. Plants should be handled and ingested with appropriate caution.