| General Description | A large dense shrub. |
| ID Characteristic | Leathery-looking leaves, large spikes and clusters of yellow flowers and bluish-black fruit. |
| Landscape | Often used as a living wall or barrier. Used to deter deer. Do not plant in areas near small children or pets due to its large spikes. |
| Propagation | Propagate via hardwood cuttings in summer or autumn, splitting root sections or by seed. |
| Cultivation | Soil must be well-drained. |
| Pests | Berberis sawfly. |
| Bark/Stem Description | 1 - 3 cm spikes at each node making the plant impenetrable. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Buds are small and are located 1 mm above the spines, growing in groups of 2, 4 or 6. |
| Leaf Description | Simple with a leathery look and spiny toothed ridges. |
| Flower Description | Small with a pleasant fragrance. |
| Fruit Description | 8 mm in size. |
| Colour Description | Foliage is green in the spring but develops a bronze or 'red wine' colour in autumn and winter months. Bark stays a yellow-brown colour year-round. The flowers turn bright yellow in the spring. Berries are bluish-black. |
| Texture Description | Coarse. |