Family: Berberidaceae
Author: Rupr.
Bibliography: Bull. Cl. Phys.-Math. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Pétersbourg 15:260. 1857
Year: 1857
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Berberis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mongolia to N. China and Japan
Description
Amur barberry, scientifically known as Berberis amurensis, is a resilient and versatile plant found across a wide geographical range, from Mongolia to Northern China and Japan. First described by Rupr. in 1857 in the Bulletin of the Physical-Mathematical Class of the Imperial Academy of Sciences of Saint Petersburg, this sturdy shrub belongs to the Berberidaceae family.
This species is renowned for its adaptability to various climates and soils, thriving in both wild and cultivated settings. Typically, the plant grows as a dense, deciduous shrub, reaching heights of up to 3 meters. It is characterized by its spiny branches, which bear clusters of small, bright yellow flowers in the spring. These blooms not only add a splash of color but also attract a range of pollinators.
Following the flowering season, Amur barberry produces small, oval berries that mature to a rich red hue by late summer or early autumn. Although somewhat tart, these berries are edible and are often used in traditional medicine and culinary practices within its native regions. The leaves of the Amur barberry are another distinctive feature; they are small, oval-shaped, and turn a vibrant crimson or purple in the fall, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal.
The Amur barberry has several uses beyond its ornamental value. In traditional medicine, various parts of the plant, especially the roots and bark, are utilized for their reputed medicinal properties. The plant is also valued for erosion control due to its extensive root system, which stabilizes soil effectively.
Despite its benefits, Amur barberry is sometimes regarded with caution in non-native regions where it has the potential to become invasive. Its ability to spread rapidly and establish dense thickets can outcompete local flora, altering the ecological balance.
In summary, Berberis amurensis or Amur barberry is a versatile and hardy shrub with significant ecological, medicinal, and ornamental value. Its presence from Mongolia to Northern China and Japan exemplifies its adaptability and enduring appeal in varied landscapes.
Common Names
Eng: amur barberry
Deu: amur-berberitze
Swe: amurberberis
En: Amur barberry
Hy: Կծոխուր ամուրյան
Az: Amur zirinci
Bg: Амурски кисел трън
Zh: Huang lu mu, 黄芦木
Nl: Siberische zuurbes
Et: Amuuri kukerpuu
Fi: Amurinhappomarja
De: Amur-Berberitze
Is: Drekabroddur
Ja: Hiroha-hebi-noborazu
Ko: 매발톱나무
Fa: زرشک آمور
Ru: Барбарис амурский
Sv: Amurberberis
Synonyms
- Berberis vulgaris var. amurensis ((Rupr.) Regel)
Distribution
- Amur (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Inner Mongolia (native)
- Japan (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Korea (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Aug 6, 2006 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2006 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 22, 2007 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Marcin Lewandowski (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7300239)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:106405-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Berberis amurensis Rupr.)