European barberry (Berberis vulgaris, Sp. Pl.: 330 (1753))

Family: Berberidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 330 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Berberis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to W. & N. Iran

Description

The European barberry, scientifically known as Berberis vulgaris, is a notable and valuable species that belongs to the family Berberidaceae. This hardy shrub has been cataloged in botanical history, receiving its first formal description in Carl Linnaeus’s seminal work, Species Plantarum, published in 1753.

Habitat and Distribution:
The European barberry is indigenous to a wide geographical region stretching from Europe to western and northern Iran. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in a variety of environments within this vast range. It typically grows in temperate climates and is often found in the wild, especially in hedgerows, woodland edges, and areas of disturbed soil.

Description and Characteristics:
This deciduous shrub can grow up to 4 meters in height and is characterized by its thorny branches, which makes it relatively resistant to browsing by animals and human interference. The leaves of Berberis vulgaris are oval and serrated, emerging in clusters along the stems. In the spring, it produces bright yellow flowers that form in drooping racemes, contributing to its ornamental value. By autumn, these flowers give way to small, red, oblong berries that are edible, though tart, and rich in vitamin C.

Ecological Importance:
European barberry plants play a critical role in their ecosystems. The dense thickets provide excellent shelter and nesting sites for various bird species. Additionally, the blossoms serve as a nectar source for pollinators including bees and butterflies. However, it is vital to manage and monitor this plant, especially in agricultural settings, as it can potentially host the wheat rust fungus (Puccinia graminis), which is a serious disease for cereal crops.

Uses and Benefits:
The berries of European barberry, although sour, are commonly used in culinary applications, particularly in Middle Eastern cuisine. They add a unique tangy flavor to dishes and can be made into jams and jellies. Beyond its use in foods, Berberis vulgaris has a rich history in traditional medicine. The roots, bark, and berries contain berberine, an alkaloid compound with noted antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes it useful in various therapeutic remedies, including treatments for digestive issues and infections.

Conclusion:
Berberis vulgaris, or European barberry, is a plant of considerable ecological and practical significance. Its wide distribution across Europe and into Iran underscores its adaptability and robustness. Whether appreciated for its ornamental beauty, its edible berries, or its medicinal properties, this shrub holds a valued place in both natural and cultivated landscapes. As with many such species, it is important to balance its benefits with mindful management to mitigate any potential agricultural risks.

Common Names

Dan: almindelig berberis, småblomstret potentil, tormentil
Eng: barberry, berbéris vulgaire, common barberry, european barberry, jaundice-berry, piprage, vinetteier, épine-vinette
Deu: berberitze, gemeine berberitze, sauerdorn, gewöhnliche berberitze, sauerdorn
Swe: blodrot, finsk fingerört, rysk fingerört, späd fingerört, berberis, ruostehappomarja, surtorn, vanlig berberis
Fin: huhtahanhikki, rätvänä, ruostehappomarja
Lav: parast
Nor: russemure, tepperot, barberisser
Isl: rätvänä
Spa: agracejo, espino cambrón
Nno: berberis
Nob: berberis
Por: berbis
Fra: berbéris vulgaire, epine-vinette, vinettier, épine-vinette, épine-vinette commune, berbéride vulgaire
Nld: zuurbes
Cym: draenen berber, draenen ysbinys, eurdrain, greol ysbin, pren clefyd melyn, pren drain ysbinys, pren melyn, prennau melyn, ysbeinwydd, yspinwydden, yspinys
Tur: japon kadin tuzlugu
Gla: barbróg
Kat: კოწახური
En: European barberry, Barberry, Common barberry, Piprage, Jaundice-berry, BEET, Berbéris vulgaire, Vinetteier, Épine-vinette, Berbery, Pepperidge Bush
Ar: شجيرة البرباريس
Hy: Ծորենի սովորական
Az: Adi zirinc
Be: Барбарыс звычайны
Bg: Обикновен кисел трън
Ca: Coralet, Acetín, Sapalarra
Zh: 刺檗
Hr: Šimširika, Žutika
Cs: Dřišťál obecný
Da: Almindelig Berberis, Småblomstret Potentil, Tormentil
Nl: Zuurbes, Gewone Zuurbes
Et: Harilik kukerpuu, Kukerpuu
Fi: Ruostehappomarja, Huhtahanhikki, Rätvänä
Fr: Vinettier, Épine-vinette, Berbéris vulgaire, Epine-Vinette, Épine vinette, Épine-vinette vulgaire, Épine-vinette commune, Berbéride vulgaire, Agrivoutat, Agrivoutier, Berbéris commun, Pisse-vinaigre
Gl: Arleira, Berberiz
Ka: Ჩვეულებრივი კოწახური, Კოწახური
De: Berberitze, Sauerdorn, Gemeine Berberitze, Echte Berberitze, Essigbeere, Gemeiner Sauerdorn, Gewöhnliche Berberitze, Gemeine Berberitze, Sauerdorn, Beerdorn, Bubenstrauch
El: Βερβερίς η κοινή, Ευρωπαϊκή οξυάκανθα
Hu: Sóskaborbolya
Is: Rätvänä
Ga: Barbróg
It: Crespino comune, Berbero, Spino vineto
Kk: Кәдімгі бөріқарақат
Ky: Ысырык
Lv: Parastā bārbele, Parast
Lt: Paprastasis raugerškis
Mk: Кисел трн, Жолтика
Gv: Barbrag
No: Russemure, Tepperot, Barberisser
Nb: Berberis
Nn: Berberis
Fa: زرشک خوراکی
Pl: Berberys pospolity, Berberys zwyczajny
Pt: Berbis, Raiz-de São-João
Pt-br: Espinho-de-São-João, Espinho-de-São-Simão
Ro: Dracilă
Ru: Барбарис обыкновенный
Gd: Barbróg
Sr: Шимширика
Sk: Dráč obyčajný
Es: Agracejo, Espino cambrón, Berbero, Navadni češmin, Abrilla, Acetín, Agracejo oficinal, Agracillo, Agracillos, Agracio, Agraciu, Agranzón, Agrazón, Agreilla, Agrito, Agruzejo, Alargiz, Alarguez, Alarguiz, Alguese, Alrera, Alro, Arlera, Arlo, Aspalato, Azota-Cristos, Azote burdo, Berberiles, Berberís, Borrachín, Bérberis, Bérbero, Bérberoles, Bérberos, Escabrión, Espina ramosa, Espina romaza, Espino berberino, Espino, Garbanzón, Granado, Guindillas ásperas, Tapaculo, Vinagrera, Vinagreras, Bérbezo
Sv: Berberis, Surtorn, Blodrot, Finsk fingerört, Rysk fingerört, Späd fingerört, Ruostehappomarja, Vanlig berberis
Zh-tw: 刺檗
Tt: Гади бүре карлыганы
Te: ఎరుపుమణిచెట్టు
Tr: Adi kadıntuzluğu, Avrupa kadıntuzluğu, Kızamık çalısı, Japon kadin tuzlugu
Uk: Барбарис звичайний, Кислиця
Uz: Zirk
Wa: Bwès Sint-Djuråd, Bwès sint Djuråd
Cy: Pren melyn, Draenen Berber, Draenen Ysbinys, Eurdrain, Greol Ysbin, Pren Clefyd Melyn, Pren Drain Ysbinys, Prennau Melyn, Ysbeinwydd, Yspinwydden, Yspinys

Synonyms

• Berberis racemosa (Stokes)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Italy (native)
• Krym (native)
• Morocco (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Delaware (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Missouri (introduced)
• Montana (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• North Dakota (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ohio (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• South Dakota (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

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.

Fruit

Taken Dec 7, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2003 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 3, 2021 by Eduard (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 2, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2017 by Cruz Fer (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by elena🌞 dei boschi🌿 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2019 by Werner Golsner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2021 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by kafaktor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2019 by siegrun siegrun (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2021 by elena🌞 dei boschi🌿 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2020 by kafaktor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 29, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 2, 2021 by jid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by Rosamaria Bruguera Rifà (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Original uploader was Algirdas at lt.wikipedia (public)

Taken Apr 22, 2020 by Sandrine byloos (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2018 by Silvia (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 27, 2022 by Georg Jurceka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Elettra Feltrin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Elettra Feltrin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2019 by Werner Golsner (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:328527-2)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033894)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Berberis vulgaris L.)

Specifications

Growth