Hortiforum

General Info – Barberry, Common Barberry, European Barberry

Widespread across much of Eurasia, the vibrant red berries of the Barberry have long been used throughout its native range for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
The oblong, scarlet-red fruit of the Barberry resembles the Goji Berry in appearance. They ripen from late summer through to autumn, depending on the climate, and can be eaten fresh, offering a refreshing, Lemon-like flavour. Barberries are very rich in Vitamin C and, like most Vitamin C-rich fruits such as Araca, Camu Camu, and Kakadu Plum, they tend to be quite tart. In addition to being eaten fresh, Barberry fruit can be used to make a variety of products, including jams and jellies, thanks to their high pectin content. They can also be added to drinks or syrups. Barberries are particularly popular in Iran, where they are often cooked with rice, as in traditional pilafs.
Barberry has a broad native range, occurring across Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. It thrives in temperate climates, particularly those with cold winters and sufficient chill hours, tolerating temperatures far lower than those found anywhere in Australia. Barberry grows well in rocky, well-drained, moist soils and prefers a protected position in part-shade or full sun. Good drainage is essential, as the plant can be susceptible to root rot. While moderately drought-tolerant once established, young plants are drought-sensitive and should be watered adequately during dry periods. Barberry has the potential to become weedy and invasive in some parts of Australia, particularly in the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands of New South Wales. Careful consideration—or avoidance—may be necessary to ensure the plant does not spread beyond cultivated areas.
Barberry forms a compact shrub, rarely exceeding 3 metres in height, and naturally grows into a hedging shape. Tiny yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by eye-catching clusters of red fruit that hang along the pendulous branches from late summer into autumn. The plant has simple green leaves with slightly toothed, bristly margins. It’s not ideal for planting along pathways, as the base of the leaves typically bears three sharp spines.

Plant Profile/Properties