Barberry
Edibility - Good
Health Benefits - Superior
Berberis vulgaris
Photo taken by Calvin De Jong
Description
Height 2-3 m
Width 1-2 m
Leaves 1-10 cm long
Flowers 3-6 mm long
Seeds 1-2 mm
Barberry is a medium-sized deciduous, perennial shrub. The high nutrient berries taste a lot like cranberries. The shrubs often have 20 to 30 erect, widely spreading stems that tend to droop near the ends giving the shrub an arching shape.
Distribution and habitat
The common barberry although not native to North America did find its way from Asia's middle and western mountains around the 1600's and quickly became invasive in several parts of the continent. Barberry can tolerate a wide variety of habitats from damp lowland plains to dry arid slopes, it can typically be found in light deciduous forests, in hedges, along roadsides, and in clearings, it prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Elevation 0-1800 m
Soil moist, dry chalky soil
pH 5.5-7.5
Zones 2-4
Sun full sun, partial shade
Uses & Benefits
Barberries are a highly nutritious food, they contain many beneficial plant compounds that are known to be beneficial to the human body. Studies showed that barberry has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a medicinal herb to treat a wide variety of disorders, such as diabetes, liver disease, gallbladder pain, digestive, urinary tract diseases, and gallstones.
Parts used:
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Root bark
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Stem bark
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leaves
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Fruit
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Flowers
One can use Barberry to:
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Help with diabetes
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Treat diarrhea
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Help with good dental health
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Anticancer
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Help fight acne
Ways to use Barberry:
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Pies
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Teas
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Infusions
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Tincture
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Jams & Jellies
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Cranberry substitute
Warning & Hazards:
If you need surgery, dental work, or any other medical procedure, stop using barberry for at least two weeks prior to the procedure.
Calvin De Jong
Content Writer/Photographer
I am a naturalist from the Okanagan. My passions are taken photos of nature and foraging all its wonders.