Also known as Aniibiimin · Barberry · Berbéris Vulgaire
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) is a thorny, deciduous shrub known for its tart berries and bright fall color. It's often used in hedges and landscapes.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun for best flowering and fruiting, but tolerates partial shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Cold Hardy
25% intensity
Thrives in temperate climates and is very tolerant of cold winters.
Low
25% intensity
Generally requires minimal fertilization. Light feeding in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Berries and roots are toxic if ingested in large quantities. Contain isoquinoline alkaloids.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish a strong root system. Once established, Berberis vulgaris is quite drought-tolerant.
Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but avoid prolonged periods of dryness, particularly in hot weather.
Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
Can be pruned moderately to control size or shape for hedges.
Common Barberry can be propagated from seeds sown in autumn or stratified indoors. It also readily reproduces via root cuttings or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer and rooted in a moist medium.
Repotting is rarely necessary for established Berberis vulgaris plants in the ground. For container-grown specimens, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix as needed.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Barberry (Berberis vulgaris)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Berberidaceae |
| Genus | Berberis |
| Species | Berberis vulgaris |
Similar in genus Berberis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
