BARBERRY AB - PLANT
Berberis vulgaris
The barberry is a thorny bush that generally reaches 2 to 3 meters in height with a span of 2 meters. Its flowering, very abundant and ornamental, takes place in April-May, with clusters of attractive yellow flowers that attract pollinators. These flowers give birth, in September, to a profusion of small oval fruits that turn from green to bright red when ripe. These fruits, rich in vitamins, are an essential source of food for birds during the winter.
In summer, the soft green foliage turns to a beautiful red-orange in autumn before falling. Although very acidic, the fruit of Berberis is not very edible raw or dried, but it can enrich sweet or savory dishes, and is often made into jam or juice.
Not very demanding in terms of soil, it adapts well to both acidic and calcareous soils, provided they are well drained. It withstands hot and dry Mediterranean climates as well as winter temperatures that can drop to -18 °C.
Due to its decorative qualities, barberry is often used as an ornamental plant in hedgerows, but it can also be planted in isolation or in clumps.
