Scientific: Berberis

The genus Berberis is characterized by dimorphic shoots, with long shoots which form the structure of the plant, and short shoots only 1-2 mm long. The leaves on long shoots are non-photosynthetic, developed into three-spined thorns 3-30 mm long; the bud in the axil of each thorn-leaf then develops a short shoot with several normal, photosynthetic leaves. These leaves are 1-10 cm long, simple, and either entire, or with spiny margins. Only on young seedlings do leaves develop on the long shoots, with the adult foliage style developing after the young plant is 1-2 years old.

The flowers are produced singly or in racemes of up to 20 on a single flower-head. They are yellow or orange, 3-6 mm long, with six sepals and six petals in alternating whorls of three, the sepals usually colored like the petals. The fruit is a small berry 5-15 mm long, ripening red or dark blue, often with a pink or violet waxy surface bloom; in some species, they may be either long and narrow, but are spherical in other species.

Light:

Sun,Part Sun

Zones:

3-9

Plant Type:

Shrub

Plant Height:

To 6 feet tall

Plant Width:

To 7 feet wide

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold, Red/Purple Leaves, Yellow Leaves, Variegated Leaves

Bloom Time:

Spring

Landscape Uses:

Beds & Borders,Privacy,Slopes,Groundcover

Special Features:

Flowers,Attractive Foliage,Fall Color,Winter Interest,Cut Flowers,Attracts Birds,Drought Tolerant,Deer Resistant,Easy to Grow