Berberis verruculosa (Warted Barberry)


Botanical Information

FamilyBeberidaceae
GenusBerberis
Speciesverruculosa
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginWestern Sichuan province of China.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer
The fruit has been used for antibacterial purposes. It can be eaten raw or cooked, but is not grown commercially because of the thorny bushes. It also reported to have anti-tumour properties.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5 - 7
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4a - 7a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 - (-12)
Temperature (°F)-20 - 10
Height1- 1.5 m
Spread1- 1.5 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionBerberis verruculosa or Warted Barberry is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can handle rough climates and extreme soil conditions. Throughout history Berberis shoots and roots have been used to make yellow dye. Shoots are spiny with spine-toothed leaves and small golden flowers. Berries are full of vitamin C but not commercially sold due to the extremely thorny bushes.
ID CharacteristicDark green leaves with silver underside turn slightly purple in the winter. Yellow flowers bloom in the spring. The stem is covered with dense brown warts. Blue and black berries ripen in late summer.
ShapeNaturally grows into a loosely rounded shape. Pruning after the flowering period at the end of summer will create a tidier form.
LandscapeNot commonly used in garden landscapes. Can be used for small, informal hedges under windows or function as a barrier wall for a small dog.
PropagationFrom seed or softwood cuttings taken at the beginning of summer.
CultivationGrows best in full sun to partial shade. Extremely resilient to dry soil conditions. Requires little care, only pruning for shaping at the end of summer. Can be prone to severe winter burn in the colder zones.
PestsMay become infected with powdery mildew.
Notable SpecimensThe A. M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.
HabitatWoods, thickets and rocky soils, thrives in places with well drained soil.
Bark/Stem DescriptionBrown with distinctive round bumps on the bark, resembling warts.
Leaf DescriptionUp to 2?1 cm, pinnate, simple, alternate and minutely serrated.
Flower DescriptionSmall, bright yellow, similar to a buttercup flower, solitary or paired.
Fruit DescriptionTo 1 cm, purple-black.
Colour DescriptionDeep, dark green leaves with a silvery underside, yellow flowers and purple-black berries.
Texture DescriptionLeathery with warty stems.

Photographs