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common barberry
Scientific Name: Berberis vulgaris
Family: Berberidaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Berberis vulgaris: An Overview
Berberis vulgaris, commonly known as European barberry or simply Barberry, is a well-known shrub with a complex history and notable ecological impact.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Berberis vulgaris is a "spiny shrub," indicating the presence of prickles or thorns.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that Berberis vulgaris is a "spiny shrub," indicating the presence of prickles or thorns.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Berberis vulgaris L.
- Common Names: European barberry, Common Barberry, Jaundice-berry, Pepperidge, Sowberry. Other names include Crespino comune, vinettier, espino cambrn.
- Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)
- Synonyms: The text lists multiple synonyms including Berberis abortiva, Berberis acida, Berberis alba, Berberis bigelovii, beet, epine-vinette, epine-vinette commune, vinetteier.
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Kingdom: Plantae
Distribution and Habitat
- The Common Barberry is found in copses and hedges in some parts of England.
- It is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced to North America.
Ecological Role
- Berberis vulgaris is considered an invasive species in some regions.
- It is an alternate host for stem rust, a disease that affects small grain cereals like wheat, barley, and oats, which led to campaigns to eradicate it.
Morphological Characteristics
- It is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches 1-2 meters (approximately 3-6.5 feet), but can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall.
- It is a bushy, branching shrub with gray bark.
- The leaves are pale-green and deciduous, turning yellow, red, or orange in autumn.
- It has small, dull green, alternate leaves that are oval, with serrated or jagged edges.
- It has an abundance of flowers in May.
Quirky Facts
- The yellow substance present in the barberry plant was known for its bitter taste.
- Common barberry was the first of the barberries (Berberis species) to arrive in the U.S., but it quickly fell out of favor in horticulture due to its invasive properties.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It serves as an alternate host for stem rust, impacting cereal crops.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) provides information on Berberis vulgaris.
- WebMD provides patient medical information for European Barberry.
- Dave's Garden offers gardening tips and ideas.
- APS Features published an article titled ""The barberry or bread": The public campaign to eradicate common barberry in the United States in the early 20th century."