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European barberry

European barberry

Berberis vulgaris

shrub☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 3a – Zone 8b

A thorny deciduous shrub with small yellow flowers in spring and elongated red berries in fall. It is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it useful as a barrier planting or specimen shrub.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
moderate
Size
6–10′ tall × 4–8′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

moderate
Zone 3aZone 8b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 3a to Zone 8b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Shrub

Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.

Succession Role

early successional

Native Range

Europe, western Asia, North Africa

Function & Care

wildlife benefitmedicinalhedgerowedible

Edible Parts

fruit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Years to Bearing
3 years
Propagation
seed, cutting, division

Companion Planting

Plants well with